Support Group
What is a Support Group?
A support group provides a safe and comfortable environment in the company of others who are experiencing similar problems to your own.
Our support groups welcome parents, partners, families and carers of drug and alcohol misusers.
We all recognise the hurt, pain, anger, fear and guilt each of us is going through and we are therefore able to support one another in a supportive caring way.
Each one of our support group members have taken that first step in recognising that they also need information, help, support and a listening ear. All of us, despite our initial fears about coming into a group, have found the courage to come along to be with people who know what it is like to support, cope and live with a drug and alcohol misuser.
At our support groups, you will find a friendly, warm and supportive atmosphere where we often laugh and cry together as we learn to face the truth, accept and learn to cope in the best ways we can.
As well as group support, we also offer our members the opportunity to undertake training such as drug awareness, specialist first aid courses and assertiveness skills.
External speakers from other service providers and agencies, (eg. health and treatment services, probation, rehabilitation, etc) will also give you the chance to expand your knowledge of drug and alcohol related issues and the services available for your loved ones.
Frequently asked questions...
What if someone I know is also attending?
Parents, family members and carers who attend our support groups are also experiencing very similar problems to your own. Think of them as a friendly face, rather than a threat. If this is a problem, an alternative support group will be found.
I am afraid that people may judge me and my family...
Everyone who attends our support groups feels the same way. Remember, they also have a problem. We ask all support group members to respect the non-judgemental approach we incorporate into all our polices so that EVERYONE feels safe.
I don’t feel I can talk about things in a group...
That’s okay - there’s no pressure to do so what so ever. Listen and learn - you may feel able to share your thoughts and experiences after a couple of meetings, when you have got to know the other members and feel ready to talk.
I am afraid I may get very emotional and upset…
Most people do. However, we hope that the friendly supportive and warm atmosphere will help you to feel comfortable enough to express your feelings openly.
What can I expect at my first meeting…
You will be welcomed at the venue by a specially trained volunteer support group leader. All our support group leaders are parent/carers of drug misusers themselves and are therefore ideally placed to facilitate our meetings.
Everyone is reminded about P.R.O.P.S. confidentiality policy and the boundaries and rules, which operate within the group. Then each member is given the time and space to share their thoughts and feelings, anxieties and hopes with rest of the group. You are under no pressure to join in if you feel unable to at this point. Meetings last approximately two hours.
Please contact us if you would like someone to meet you outside the venue prior to the meeting.
Where can I find out more about my local P.R.O.P.S. support group…
We hope that this article has allayed many of the fears you may have about coming along to one of our groups. If you would like to speak to someone about attending a group or about any other P.R.O.P.S. service, please contact us at:
Newcastle P.R.O.P.S - 26 Hawthorn Terrace, Cruddas Park, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE4 6RJ, email us at office@newcastleprops.org.uk or call us on 0191 226 3440
North Tyneside P.R.O.P.S. - 3 Belle Vue Terrace, North Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE29 6SG, email us at admin@northtyneside.org.uk or call us on 0191 296 2277
Remember: You do not have to cope alone
