Are you affected by a family member or friend’s drinking, drug use or gambling? If so, we are here to help you 

We offer group and one to one support to anyone who is affected by substance misuse, this includes parents, partners, children, siblings, grandparents and friends. 

Please see our calendar for details of our monthly support group and activities page for the latest. 

Or please contact us on 01904 715490 or email enquiries@yorkcarerscentre.co.uk.

There are many reasons why someone impacted by addiction may not reach out for support including stigma, shame, guilt, embarrassment and fear of judgement. Not identifying with the term “carer” can also keep someone from seeking the support they need.

At York Carers Centre, we’re here to help! We understand how important it is for carers to have a safe space where they can talk openly and be heard. We offer dedicated support through our Substance Misuse and Gambling Carer Support Groups, designed for anyone supporting a friend or family member with an addiction.

 

I thought I was the only one in my situation until I went to a meeting and realised there were others like me. It helped knowing I wasn’t on my own.

York Carers Centre offers group sessions where carers can connect with other local carers who share similar experiences. These groups are offered within a supportive environment, guided by our staff and supported by volunteers who often have their own experience of caring for someone with an addiction.

We also provide one-to-one support if you would like to discuss your individual circumstances.

All our usual support is available, so please check out our adult carer pages too.

Groups offer carers a valuable opportunity meet up and talk with others facing similar challenges.

During the groups, we encourage carers to think about their situation; what they can and can’t control, what feels acceptable, what feels unacceptable, and what needs to change. Our goal is to empower carers, help them identify and address enabling behaviours (actions that help someone else avoid the negative consequences of their actions, which can make the problem worse) and set healthy boundaries, to put in place when they feel ready.

Groups:
Sessions are offered in person (in a group setting) usually taking place monthly at Tesco Community Room, Askham Bar.

If you are attending the group for the first time, you will be offered a one-to-one conversation on the phone with the group leader before attending – this helps to put you at ease and gives you chance to ask any questions.

Individual support:
This is usually offered by phone, at a time mutually convenient. Our experienced member of staff will arrange this with you. You can also access a Carers Assessment of Need, or our other support.

Group meetings usually take place monthly at Tesco Community Room, Askham Bar, offering carers a valuable opportunity meet up and talk with others facing similar challenges.

We understand that commitments vary, so if only a few carers can attend in a given month, we can offer flexible options, including one-to-one telephone support from the Group Lead or a Carer Support Worker.

Getting in touch

If you’re new to our Substance Misuse Carer Support Group, you’ll be scheduled for a brief introductory phone appointment with Sam Sollitt beforehand.

To book your place at a Substance Misuse and Gambling Carer Support Group, please call us on 01904 715490 or email events@yorkcarerscentre.co.uk.

Sam standing in front of a sign advertising the Caring For Someone With Addiction group

Sam Sollitt

Substance Misuse Facilitator

Over twenty-five years ago, I began supporting adult prisoners with addiction issues. I later transitioned to working in the community with young people struggling with substance misuse.

My passion grew as I identified significant gaps in provision and pioneered a project to assist young people affected by family drug and alcohol misuse. I feel strongly about helping people affected by a situation through no fault of their own.

In 2012, I joined York Carers Centre to establish a service dedicated to supporting adults affected by drugs and alcohol. While funding changes have since reduced this aspect of my role, my dedication to carers remains unwavering.

Having personally experienced the profound effects of an abusive, violent, and alcoholic father during my early years, I am deeply committed to helping make a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing challenges beyond their control. My mission is to help them build confidence, find their voice, and navigate their unique challenges with resilience and hope.

I take great pride in sharing practical advice and strategies, such as seeking help, setting boundaries amidst chaos, and practising self-kindness. The most rewarding part of my work is using my skills and experiences to inspire and empower others to take brave steps forward, reclaim their lives, and embrace their own strength.

Links to other organisations 

Overview of family support services in York 

Find out here what York being an Inclusive Recovery City means and your place in it

ADFAM are a national charity working to improve support for those affected by someone else’s substance use.  They provide information on their website for carers and families. They also support organisations like ours who work with carers and families.  Visit the ADFAM website for information and resources created for carers and families affected by someone else’s substance misuse.

Before I found out about the support York Carers Centre could offer, I felt isolated and frantic about living with an addict whose behaviour didn’t make sense to me. They can’t fix the problem, but they can offer a confidential friendly space to talk honestly about what you’re trying to cope with, as well as suggesting ways forward to keep yourself sane and healthy.