Do you care for a partner or family member who is affected by drug addiction?
"Nearly 1.5 million adults in the UK are affected by a relative's drug use."
- The Princess Royal Trust for Carers
Leeds-based charity Multiple Choice and the Leeds Wellbeing Centre are taking part in a Department of Health project to offer carers information and support. We are interested in people who are caring for someone who is involved in substance misuse - whatever their relationship (partner, sibling, child or grandchild etc).
In the early stages of their caring role many people do not see themselves as 'carers' and so do not recognise the need to seek support and information. This project aims to develop an information booklet which will signpost carers to information services and support.
The project will also offer support to carers by offering 65 carers the opportunity to have three complimentary therapy sessions free of charge and a further 21 carers the opportunity to have six talking therapy sessions, again free of charge. The complementary therapy and talking therapy sessions will be provided by Leeds Wellbeing Centre.
We are looking to involve a range of agencies in the project. We envisage that the agencies involved will participate by referring carers whether they deal directly with these people or refer the carers of their clients. The agencies involved may also have some input into the booklet that is produced by this project.
We're looking for carers to fit the following specifications;
* The principal carer for someone with substance misuse
* Over 18 years of age
* Willing to attend Leeds Wellbeing Centre either three times for complimentary therapies or six times for talking therapy sessions
* Willing to cover their own expenses to attend the centre
* Willing to complete a basic evaluation form at their first and final therapy session.
If you're interested in being involved and would like more information about the project or would like to refer carers to take part then please contact Leeds Wellbeing Centre on 0113 244 4546 or email us at info@leedswellbeingcentre.org.uk
Guest blogger Kris Harris works for the Leeds Wellbeing Centre
