We’re proud to support anyone in Leeds who provides unpaid care for another person, but we know that not all carers need that same support. So, we have a wide range of specialist services to meet the individual needs of carers throughout Leeds.

Each month we’re going to introduce one of our services and this month is the Concerned other support service….

Carers Leeds offer support to people affected by the drug and/or alcohol use of someone they know, whether that is a family member, a loved one or a friend. We refer to this group as ‘concerned others’.

Concerned others can face a number of issues as a consequence of another person’s substance use, such as stigma, loneliness and conflict within the family. These consequences can have a direct impact on the physical and mental wellbeing of concerned others, often increasing levels of stress and anxiety. Supporting a family member with addiction can also significantly impact on a family’s finances.

We are here to provide information and support to help concerned others make changes to improve their wellbeing. We also know that changes made by concerned others can often lead to positive changes in the substance user.

The impact of lockdown
During lockdown, a lot of people increased their alcohol or drug use. Families also discovered about existing substance misuse due to longer periods at home together. If you’ve found drugs or alcohol to be a problem or want to help making changes, please contact Forward Leeds on 0113 887 2477.

What’s new?
Our one to one support has now moved to the telephone, and our support groups are over Zoom.
We’re also excited to welcome our team member Eve! Let’s meet her…

“Hi. My name is Eve and I joined the concerned other service at Carers Leeds in September 2020. Although I am new to the team I have worked in the drug and alcohol field both in the community and in various prisons for over 10 years. I find my work really rewarding, and like to be able to log off at the end of the day knowing I’ve helped at least one person.

I live in Wakefield, although I’m originally from Durham and am kept busy at home with my toddler son. I am one of three support workers who make up the concerned other service and work alongside my colleagues Owen and Kai.”

What should I expect from the service?
Our support will always be confidential, non-judgemental, and constructive. We will give you advice and guidance to enable you to make choices to improve your wellbeing, and signpost you to other services to help you build a support network.

How can I keep up to date with changes?
We have a dedicated Concerned Others e-newsletter that you can sign up for. Just get in touch and we will send you 1-2 newsletters a month with information on our support groups, activities, relevant news, and updates with our service. You can also follow us on Twitter @DACarersLeeds. You can also subscribe to the monthly Carers Leeds newsletter here.

How can I get support?
If you live in Leeds and are impacted by someone else’s drug or alcohol use, call our advice line on: 0113 380 4300 or email advice@carersleeds.org.uk.

If you’re working with a concerned other and would like to make a referral, contact our advice line on: 0113 380 4300 or fill in this referral form.

Meet the team

Kai

Owen

Eve