How Support Works

Services

In our mission to support people affected or bereaved by a loved one’s harmful use of alcohol, drugs, or gambling, we provide the following services:

Client Pathway

Helpline

Speak confidentially with someone who understands, offering support, information, and a listening ear.

Support Review

An assessment call to understand your needs and decide the most suitable next support.

5-Step Method One to One

Personal sessions using the 5-Step Method to understand, cope, and find new strategies.

5-Step Method Group

Small supportive groups using the 5-Step Method, sharing experiences and learning ways forward together.

Peer Support Group

Connect with others who understand, share openly, and build ongoing support and strength.

Approach

We use the following approach with each client we support:

Listen

We provide a safe, non-judgmental space for people to share their stories and emotions openly. By actively listening, we acknowledge their situation’s complexities and the emotional weight they carry, ensuring they feel heard and validated.

Understand

After listening, we strive to fully comprehend the unique challenges people face. Our team, many with lived experiences of similar issues, appreciate the depth of people’s emotional and practical needs.

Support

By understanding people’s needs, we can tailor our support to suit their unique circumstances, helping them navigate their journey more effectively.

5-Step Method

We use the 5-Step Method to support clients. This evidence-based process increases the likelihood of positive results, and involves the following five steps:

Step 1: Family Member Story - Listen, Reassure and Explore Concerns

This crucial initial step involves actively listening to the person's experiences and understanding the impact of their loved one's addiction. It requires empathy, open questions, and reflective listening to explore stresses and strains. Encouraging realistic optimism and acknowledging common struggles fosters an open and supportive dialogue.

Step 2: Identify Relevant and Targeted Information

This step addresses the person's stress from a lack of knowledge about the relevant addiction. It involves sharing accurate information on drug, alcohol or gambling types, harmful use patterns, dependence issues, and motivation for change. The information is delivered empathetically without being overwhelming and offers resources for further support.

Step 3: Explore Ways of Coping and Responding

This step focuses on understanding the person's coping strategies, categorised as 'standing up to it,' 'putting up with it,' and 'becoming independent.' It involves discussing current coping methods, weighing their pros and cons, and exploring alternatives. The process emphasises empathy and safety, helping people make informed decisions about their coping responses.

Step 4: Explore and Enhance Support and Communication

This step identifies and enhances the available social support, significantly impacting people's coping ability. It involves mapping the social network, assessing current support, and finding ways to maximise positive influences while reducing negative ones. The goal is to build a more robust support system and improve collaborative problem-solving.

Step 5: Review Previous Steps and Explore Further Needs

This final step assesses any further needs that emerge after the initial intervention. It identifies whether additional help is needed for the person affected or bereaved or the person who is harmfully using. It also explores personal interests or activities that promote independence and self-care, ensuring all identified needs are addressed.