What to Expect from a Substance Misuse and Gambling Carer Support Group

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.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out – our support is free and available in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Remember, you don’t have to face this alone.

“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.”

What support is available?

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.

During the groups, we encourage carers to think about their situation; 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.

We offer sessions at a range of times, both online and in-person, to make sure support is accessible to everyone in a way and at a time that works best for them.

We also offer a Telephone Listening Service, staffed by dedicated volunteers – some of which are in recovery themselves – providing carers the opportunity to connect with someone who understands their challenges firsthand.

How and when can I access support?

Sessions are offered online, in person (in a group setting) and limited 1-2-1’s for those needing extra support.

People attending the group for the first time will always have a 1-2-1 conversation on the phone with the group leader before attending – this helps to put carers at ease and ensures they know what to expect from the group.

Online support

Online sessions are currently held monthly on Tuesdays, 6 – 7:30 p.m. These sessions provide support for carers who, due to other commitments, are unable to attend in-person meetings.

More carers are recognising the value of connecting with peers face-to-face and are choosing to (re)join our in-person groups, so we have adjusted the online session schedule to run quarterly rather than monthly.

In-person groups and 1-2-1 support

Currently, group meetings take place monthly on Mondays, 2 – 4 pm at Tesco Community Room, Askham Bar, offering carers a valuable opportunity meet up and talk with others facing similar challenges.

In the new year (Jan 2025), both the time and venue for the sessions will change. Starting next year, sessions will take place on the third Monday of the month at Acomb Garth Community Care Centre, 12 – 2 pm.

We understand that commitments vary, so if only a few carers can attend in a given month, we can offer flexible options, including 1-2-1 support or telephone support from the Group Lead or a Carer Support Worker.

Sam Sollitt, Group Leader says “Today’s Substance Misuse Carer Support Group was supported by Lisa, a Social Work Student on a 6 week placement. The session focused on what is acceptable, what isn’t acceptable and creating boundaries.

Carers reported how useful it is to regularly revisit this topic. This was followed by a session on ‘values.’ Carers said it had been useful to use the ‘Value Cards’ to help them focus and see the progress they’ve made. Carers said that they appreciate the support and being able to talk openly without judgement.”

Contact us

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. 

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.