About us
Family Support Link has been providing group and 1:1 support to families/friends affected by someone else’s drug and/or alcohol use within Northamptonshire since 2007, in addition to support for parents who use substances, and education and advocacy with other organisations. Our clients have always sat at the heart of what we do: they are the reason we exist and are fundamental to everything.
Having gone through what many of our clients go through, Sandra McDermott recognised that families and loved ones of people who use drugs and/or alcohol were in desperate need of support, and that there was nothing out there to help them. She set up a telephone helpline in her back bedroom, and Family Support Link was born.
Over the years we have grown to become the well-respected charity that we are today. Every year we support around 300 adult family members, 200 children and young people, and 70 parents to set boundaries, increase emotional regulation, develop safety plans and increase their understanding of addiction. We build communication across the family, reduce their stress and anxiety and help them to connect with others who understand, reducing the stigma and isolation that they feel and giving families hope for the future.
Vision: Our vision is of a world without harm from the use of substances, where families and communities are resilient and stigma-free, and children and young people are happy and nurtured.
Mission: Our mission is to empower families and communities harmed by the use of substances to regain control and lead happier, healthier lives.
Values: When undertaking our work we strive to be a safe space: non-judgemental, respectful, empathetic, confidential, flexible, inclusive and accessible to all.
Thank you Family Support Link
I started getting support around 6 years ago. When I had the horrific experience of 2 family members with alcohol addiction. I got and I am still getting support from this lovely organisation. They are a great team helping me feel my self-worth and a very stronger person that I am now.
I was not alone
The 1:1 support enabled me to vent my feelings and helped me see the importance of looking after myself at the time of crisis. I think it prevented me from having a breakdown. The weekly group meetings let me know I was not alone in what I was going through.
Gain strength from my meetings
My support worker has been a rock, pointing out situations to me and showing me a clear vision of the directions which I may/may not take. The name Family Support couldn't be more precise, and I am grateful for each time I see her, knowing I must be strong with myself.
Grateful to have been referred to FSL
Just having someone to talk to who would listen and offer understanding and provide professional advice which was non-judgemental was a massive help as it helped me to see things a lot clearer. I am definitely in a much better place now than I was, to handle any difficulties that could arise in the future.
