Children & young people
We offer 1-1 support for children impacted by a family members drug or alcohol use, we work with children and young people from the age of 5 and up.
We attend school settings for our sessions, however during school holidays and for home educated children we are able to offer support at our offices in both North and West Northamptonshire.
The 1-1 support that is provided will be with a trained support worker, who will remain with the child or young person throughout.
All of our workers have an enhanced DBS check.
We provide up to 10 support sessions. The support is centred around the need of the child/young person following an outcome assessment.
The support is confidential and we have safeguarding policies and procedures in place, and these will be discussed with the child/young person at their first session.
A little bit about the impacts
Family Support Link interventions can have a profound and lasting impact on children and young people. Here’s how:
Emotional and Mental Health Benefits
- Improved emotional regulation: Children learn to understand and express their emotions in healthier ways.
- Reduced anxiety and stress: Safe, supportive spaces and emergency planning give children a sense of security and predictability.
- Increased resilience: With tools to cope, children are better equipped to handle life’s challenges.
Education and Awareness
- Better understanding of addiction: Learning about substance misuse in an age-appropriate way helps demystify and reduce shame or guilt. Helps to understand family members struggles to break their addiction, through The Cycle of Change.
- Informed decision-making: Kids can recognise unhealthy patterns and make safer choices for themselves in future.
Safety and Protection
- Awareness of boundaries: Learning about safe relationships helps protect children from abuse and exploitation.
- Emergency planning: Equips children with the knowledge of what to do in dangerous or high-risk situations.
Social Development
- Positive peer and adult relationships: Being part of group sessions or networks such as our activity days give a sense of belonging and helps to build friendships.
- Support networks: Children feel less alone and more supported by peers and are able to identify their trusted adults.
Self-Esteem and Aspiration
- Confidence building: Recognition and encouragement help children believe in themselves.
- Goal-setting: Support can inspire children to dream bigger and think positively about their future.
Our child-centred support helps break cycles of trauma, promotes emotional wellbeing, and empowers children to thrive.
Frequently asked questions
Do you tell my parents about what I say in these sessions?
No, our sessions are completely confidential. I will only share something if I feel you are at risk of harm, it is also my job to make sure you are safe. This is called Safeguarding.
How often will you see me, and will it be on the same days?
We will see you once a week for 45-minute sessions and we try to see you at the same time and day if possible.
Can I talk to you about everything?
You can talk to us about whatever you feel comfortable with. We are here for you and to listen to you.
Will I see you again and can you come back if I need you?
Once being referred to Family Support Link you will always be welcomed back. You can come back to us if you feel that you need further support in the future, even as an adult. We also run free activity days during the school holidays that you could come along to.
Are you a Social Worker?
No, we are not Social Workers. We do sometimes work alongside social workers and share information, if we feel that they need to know anything that might be a safeguarding concern. We will always speak with you about this first.
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.
