Published at 19:40, Thursday, 12 June 2008

PARENTS and relatives of drug addicts and alcohol abusers are often the silent sufferers.

But Workington-based charity the Rising Sun Trust is hoping to change that with a new family support service.

Val Fearon, who will be organising the family support service, said she wanted it to be as informal and as encouraging as possible.

It will be held at the Rising Trust offices in Fisher Street, Workington, from 6.30pm on Wednesdays.

It will be open to people from all over Cumbria.

Paul Lee, Rising Sun manager, said: “The support services is being totally funded by us and we hope eventually to be able to run family support services in Whitehaven and Maryport. Until then, everyone is welcome here in Workington.”

Mrs Fearon said that parents, often at their wits’ end when children become involved in drug or alcohol abuse, required an atmosphere where they could talk in a confidential and non-threatening manner.

She said: “Families will be able to talk to other people in the same situation.”

The first family support session will be held next Wednesday, June 18.

Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk