Family Support

Substance use affects more than the person using. Partners, parents, children, siblings, friends and wider family networks may all feel the emotional, practical and relational impact. At Wirral Ways we offer tailored family support that understands these challenges, supports wellbeing and helps people feel less alone.

Our family work is compassionate, non judgemental and focused on safety, connection and resilience. We work with families as part of a think family approach, which means we look at the needs of everyone involved, including children and young people, not just one individual. Expert help and guidance is available for those directly affected by drug or alcohol use.

Think Family Team

Our Think Family Team provides structured, family-centred support that recognises how substance use interacts with family life, relationships and everyday responsibilities. Support is strengths based and focuses on improving outcomes for children and adults alike.

The Think Family Team can help with:

• Understanding the impact of substance use on family life

• Supporting parents and carers

• Improving communication and family relationships

• Linking with children’s services and safeguarding partners

• Encouraging positive routines and protective factors for children

We work closely with partner agencies to make sure support is safe, consistent and coordinated.

Friends, Family and Affected Others Support

Our Friends, Family and Affected Others support is designed for people who are affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol use, even if they do not live together. This includes partners, parents, siblings, children, other relatives and close friends.

Support may involve:

• One-to-one conversations to talk through worries

• Practical advice and emotional support

• Help to set boundaries and look after wellbeing

• Signposting to other services

• Strategies for coping and reducing stress

This support is available to anyone who feels impacted by a loved one’s substance use.

SILK – Spider Family Support

We work closely with the Spider Project to deliver SILK – Spider Family & Carers’ Support, a specialist service for families and carers of people experiencing drug or alcohol use.

SILK offers:

• One-to-one support for family members and carers

• Group sessions and shared learning opportunities

• Creative and therapeutic courses to support wellbeing

• Telephone support when needed

The aim of SILK is to help family members feel heard, supported and less alone, and to build confidence and resilience around caring roles and relationships.

You don’t have to be in treatment yourself to access SILK, and it is open to people regardless of their situation.

Life Is a Gift Peer Support Group

Life Is a Gift is a peer support group for anyone affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol use.

It is a safe, welcoming space to meet others who understand similar experiences, share stories, and support one another. The group offers:

• Guided peer support and connection

• Practical tips and encouragement

• A chance to talk, listen and recharge

• Emotional support in a group setting

Life Is a Gift runs regular sessions in different locations in Wirral to make it easier to attend.

Supporting children and young people

Substance use in the family can be worrying for children and young people. Family support includes:

• Age-appropriate support and guidance

• Help to understand and express feelings

• Work alongside schools, children’s services and safeguarding partners

• Focus on emotional wellbeing and safety

We always prioritise safeguarding and wellbeing for children and young people.

Your wellbeing matters

Supporting someone else can take a toll on your own health and wellbeing. Family support helps you:

• Understand what you’re experiencing

• Learn ways to look after yourself

• Connect with others who understand

• Receive practical advice

Looking after yourself is important, and support can help you feel stronger and more confident.

How to access support

You can access family support through self referral, or by asking a Wirral Ways worker about available options. Professionals and loved ones can refer in with consent.

If you are supporting someone with drug or alcohol use, or are affected yourself, help is available. Get in touch with Wirral Ways to start a conversation about family support.