By The Family Support Network Siobhan Maher

Mission Statement The Family Support Network is a self help autonomous organisation that respects the lived experience of families affected by drugs in a welcoming non-judgemental atmosphere. It endeavours to provide accurate information for families by developing personalised services that meet the real identified needs of families. Philosophy The Family Support Network operates with a strong development ethos. The Network is a peer led organisation committed to promoting the empowerment, inclusion and participation of its members. Collectivism and voluntarism are key operating principles as is a focus on process.

The overall aim of the Family Support Network is to improve the situation of families coping with drug use by developing, supporting and reinforcing the work of family support groups and regional family support networks, by working for positive change in policy and practice and by raising public awareness about the problem of drugs for families and communities. Our aim in turn compliments the aim of the FRCs to provide support to socially marginalised groups based in their communities.

 What is Family Support?  Family Support can be offered on a one-to-one basis or in a group setting.  The model of family support that the Network advocates is peer Family Support. This is where a number of people with a common problem, in our case living with drug use, come together to share their experiences.

 What does a Family Support Group do?  A Family Support group is a safe, confidential, non- judgemental place for family members to discuss issues emerging from the problem of drug use within the family.  A Family support group meet regularly usually weekly.  The group can also invite guest speakers to speak on particular topics.  Some groups use complementary therapies to help them deal with stress and relaxation methods to help them cope with difficult times.

 It interrupts the negative dynamic of drug use within the family.  It helps family members look after their own needs.  It helps the families of drug users to make constructive choices.  It helps families to reinforce the work of the service agencies.  It enables families to be a resource to their own communities.

 Family Resource Centres can be used as a support structure for families coping with drug use.  Develop new and existing Family Support Groups and Networks.  Encourage FRCs to make referrals to FSN and vice versa.  Identify and promote family services already available in Family Resource Centres. (parenting support, relationship counselling, mediation services, holistic therapies, training, information and advice, MABS, FLAC etc.)  Disseminate any new research or policy documents developed by the FSN in an accessible format.

 Ensure FRC’s respond appropriately to the needs of a family seeking support in coping with drug use.  Raise awareness of family support work and its role within the community.  Provide information to FRC’s who in turn can provide families and communities on existing services and supports.  Highlight the extent of the drug problem and its effects on families and communities.  Support the involvement of the people most affected by the problem in the development and running of services and to ensure that adequate supports are put in place to enable this to happen.  Source training for FRC staff and others involved in the delivery of services to families.

 Develop a relationship with each FRC and inform each FRC of the role of the Network as a Specialist Support Agency.  Support FRC’s in Setting up Family Support Groups.  One to one support for family members that don't want to attend support groups.  Support FRC’s to develop a code of practice in relation to working with drug users and their families. In turn this will increase the confidence of FRC’s, that they can respond appropriately.

 Ensure that good communication is established between the FSN and FRC’s to ensure FRC’s are feeding back the issues that families are experiencing when coping with drug use.  Supporting FRC’s in learning about the National Drug Strategy etc.  Develop a promotional pack for all FRC’s.  Coordinate with any FRC that would like to host the men at work drama.  Ensure FRC’s are aware of all FSN events.  Inform FRC’S of range of issues a family faces when coping with drug use.

Guardianship Issue Issues for Men Intimidation Sibling Support Funeral Expenses