Children's Mental Health Week reminds us how important it is for children and young people to feel that they belong. To feel safe. To feel listened to.
At CDAS, we know that when drug or alcohol challenges affect a family, everyone involved can feel worried, confused, or responsible. In particular, children and young people may not always talk about how they feel, but it can impact their confidence, relationships and mental health.
We want every child and young person we work with to be able to say:
This is my place to speak.
This is my place to ask questions.
This is my place to be understood.
M-PACT: This is our place to talk
Earlier this month, we launched a new programme called M-PACT (Moving Parents and Children Together) to further strengthen our family support offer.
M-PACT is a whole-family, structured support programme that aims to improve the well-being of children and families affected by substance use. The core programme supports up to eight families at a time. It consists of 10 sessions designed to address areas such as communication and coping strategies, as well as educating family members on what addiction is and the impact it has.
The first session took place on 4 February and was attended by three families, including three adults and five children. The programme will run weekly for approximately 10 weeks, providing a safe, supportive space for families to talk, listen and reconnect.
Early feedback from families has been positive. One parent shared that she had “really enjoyed the session” and felt it would have a positive impact on her whole family. She said she valued the chance to talk openly with other parents who understood her situation. Young people also reported feeling comfortable in the group, describing the programme as “very good” and saying they enjoyed taking part. One parent reflected that the session had already helped to open up conversations at home, allowing her and her son to speak more honestly with each other.
Family Team Leader at CDAS, Marie Gallimore, said:
“What we see again and again is how much children and parents want to understand each other, but don’t always know how to start those conversations. M-PACT gives families a safe space to listen, speak honestly, and begin reconnecting. Even after the first session, we are seeing small but meaningful changes taking place.”
We are now taking referrals for the next M-PACT programme. To find out more, please contact us.
Speak Out: This is my place to grow
Our Speak Out Programme supports children and young people aged 5-17 who are affected by drug or alcohol challenges at home.
Support is available through 1:1 sessions and group work.
Speak Out helps young people to:
- Explore their feelings safely
- Build confidence
- Feel less alone
- Develop coping strategies that work for them
Mind and Body: This is my place to feel safer
Our Mind and Body programme is a free mental health programme for young people who are self-harming, at risk of self-harming or struggling with their mental health.
It helps young people find positive ways to manage difficult thoughts and feelings.
We deliver the Mind and Body programme to small groups in secondary schools and colleges. This is a safe space for young people to share their worries and explore new coping strategies.
If you are a school or college in Stoke-on-Trent and would like us to deliver the programme in your setting, contact us and ask for the Mind and Body Project Request Form.
If you're a young person, parent, carer, or a professional working with young people in Stoke-on-Trent, and would like to know more about our support for young people, email ypreferrals@sotcdas.org.uk or call 01782 283 113.
Young person's recovery and treatment support: This is my place to move forward
For young people who need support around their own drug or alcohol use, we provide specialist recovery and treatment support.
We give young people support that fits them. We don't preach or tell you what to do. Instead, we listen, talk things through, and help you make informed choices that feel right for you.
Our support is all about giving you the tools, knowledge, and confidence to make your own decisions.
How to access support
If drug or alcohol challenges are affecting your family, you are not alone.
We are currently taking referrals for:
- The next M-PACT programme
- Speak Out (ages 5-17)
- Young person's recovery and treatment support
Professionals can make a referral today. Alternatively, you can call us on 01782 283 113 for more information.