Concern over Welsh children struggling with parents drug or alcohol abuse
Figures suggest a third of all children getting help from NSPCC have parents with substance problems.
Childline took at least 6 calls a day about parental alcohol or drug use in 2022, according to the NSPCC.
Welsh Government figures suggest that nearly a third of all children receiving support from the charity have a parent with an alcohol or drug problem.
The NSPCC is highlighting that there were more than 2,000 calls on the issue last year, at the start of Children of Alcoholics Week, which raises awareness of children affected by a parent’s drinking.
The annual campaign, which is led in the UK by the National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACOA), aims to shine a light on children struggling alone in silence with this issue.
Over the same period, the charity’s Childline counselling service delivered 338 counselling sessions to children across the UK with concerns on this issue.
Meanwhile in Wales, Welsh Government figures from 2022 show that 31% of children who were receiving care and support and for whom there was information had a parent who misused alcohol or substances.
The NSPCC wants to encourage adults to speak out if they are concerned about a child so that children and families can be supported.
Kam Thandi, NSPCC Helpline Director, said: “Living with a parent who misuses alcohol can leave children feeling isolated, confused, embarrassed and ashamed.
“The truth is this is an issue that is often not talked about within a family and attempts are made to hide it.
"But secrecy makes it difficult for anyone else to notice and provide support, which is why we’re urging adults to look out for the signs and to encourage those impacted by it to speak out and seek help, so in turn children and families can be supported.”
The NSPCC says signs that families might be experiencing problems due to alcohol misuse include a parent who may be visually under the influence of alcohol, a change in the parent’s behaviour as they may have difficulty controlling their emotions or act irrationally or unpredictably or a child who has become withdrawn or developed behavioural problems.
Childline counsellor Ashley* from Wales, whose mum was addicted to alcohol when he was growing up, said: “My mum was an alcoholic from as far back as I can remember. I felt like I had no-one to turn to and had no idea where I could reach out to for support. When I became a Childline counsellor I was so happy to see that there was support out there.
“Alcoholism has a major effect on children’s lives. It’s not easy to find your voice and speak out if you’re concerned about your parents drinking, but Childline is an amazing service and I wish that I had known about Childline when I was younger.
“There is support out there, you don’t need to suffer in silence.”
Hilary Henriques MBE, Chief Executive of Nacoa UK, said: “Imagine a childhood where your life is taken over by your parent’s drink problem.
"Coming home from school not knowing what you’ll find. Having no friends because you can’t take them home.
“Drink and the effect it has on children is one of the great secrets in our society today.
"That is why during COA Week we sweep everything aside and break the silence, to let these vulnerable young people know they are not alone.”