NSPCC referrals over drug and alcohol abuse in the South West soar during lockdown
The charity says it made 90 a month across the region during lockdown
Last updated 17th Feb 2021
The number of referrals made by the NSPCC about drug and alcohol use across the South West have soared during lockdown.
Latest figures show the number of referrals being made to external agencies, such as the police and children's services, about parental alcohol and drug abuse has more than doubled since April 2020.
Between January and March 2020, the charity made 43 referals a month, on average in the South West.
That shot up to 90 a month, during the pandemic (April 2020 to January 2021).
Nationally the number of people calling the NSPCC Helpline with concerns about a parents' use of drugs and alcohol has increased by 66% since the first lockdown.
The new figures come as this week marks Children of Alcoholics Week, which aims to raise awareness of children affected by their parents substance abuse problems.
The NSPCC says living in a household where a parent or carer misuses substances does not necessarily mean a child will experience abuse, but it can make it more difficult for parents to provide safe and consistent care, and this can lead to abuse or neglect.
It can also have a serious impact on children's emotional well-being.
The charity added that due to the pandemic, children are much more immersed in the problems they are facing at home.
Schools have stayed open for vulnerable children and those of key workers, but many remain at home meaning there is no escape for those living with parental substance misuse.
“Parental substance misuse can have a seriously detrimental impact on the whole family.
"The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have created a perfect storm for families affected by this problem.
“At the NSPCC helpline we’ve not only seen a rise in contacts and referrals but we’re also hearing from families who weren’t previously known to children’s services requiring help and support for substance misuse.
“The pressures on families at the moment are unprecedented and it is no surprise that our helpline is hearing that parents and carers are struggling with substance misuse.
"To keep our children safe it’s vital that those who are relying on drugs and alcohol, to the extent that the care of their children is being compromised, must seek help.
“The Government must also invest more in local services. Our frontline practitioners have told us that many parents and carers are struggling to access specialist support services which will help them recover from the impact of the pandemic.”
Kam Thandi, Head of NSPCC Helpline
The NSPCC’s concerns are being backed by Adfam, a charity which provides support to families affected by drug, alcohol or gambling addiction.
“We are seeing that the usual daily challenges associated with a parent or family member’s alcohol or drug problem – fear, domestic abuse, isolation, loneliness, and mental stress – are being exacerbated by the lockdown measures.
"A staggering 88% of the families that we surveyed in our ‘Families in Lockdown’ survey told us that the first lockdown negatively impacted on their family member’s alcohol, drug or gambling problem.
"A third of families experienced an increase in verbal abuse from their family member and 13% feel more concerned than usual for their safety.
“As drug and alcohol misuse is so stigmatised, we know that many young people are scared to seek support, and for many children affected by parental substance use, the lockdown impedes them from the safety of the school environment.
"We know that with the right kind of support, children and young people can navigate this challenging time. We urge families not to wait until breaking point.”
Vivienne Evans OBE, Chief Executive, Adfam
What should I do if I'm concerned about a child?
The NSPCC is asking anyone who is concerned a child is at risk due to parental substance misuse, to contact the family helpline.
Trained professionals can offer advice to make sure everyone in the family receives the support they need - both parents and children.
You can call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or visit Adfam's website to find your nearest online support group.