How Families Out Loud Supports You: Our Services And How To Access Them

Living with a loved one’s addiction can be overwhelming. At Families Out Loud (FOL), we know that families are often left feeling isolated, helpless, and unsure where to turn. We offer a range of services designed to help you and every family member affected. This post is a reminder of what we do, why it matters, and how to get in touch.

Our Mission & Principles

FOL is dedicated to supporting families affected by addiction with compassion, without judgement, and with practical help. Key principles include:

• Non-judgemental support. Addiction is complex. Nobody should feel shame for seeking help.

• Family-centred. We believe that helping families helps the person with addiction, and vice versa.

• Hope & resilience. Recovery is a journey. We aim to build hope, capacity, and resilience.

What We Offer

Here are the services we provide:

1. One-to-One support

   
   

   In one-to-one sessions you can talk openly, without judgement, to one of our expert counsellors working in the field of family addiction. By talking about the issues and challenges that you and your family face, you will gain a better understanding of the situation and how to deal with it. Practical advice on coping strategies, safety and self-care will help to improve your own wellbeing, and that of the loved-ones in your life.

   
   

2. Specialist teen support

   
   

   Teen Support is a specialist service offered by our expert young person’s support team. Teenagers can struggle with their emotions when someone in the family is using drugs and alcohol. It is common for them to withdraw, to struggle at school, and to exhibit changes in behaviour and extremes of mood that are difficult to manage. Support from a specialist counsellor, who encourages expression of emotions which are then heard and accepted, can help the young person realise they aren’t responsible for the actions and outcomes of their loved-one’s behaviour.

   
   

3. Peer support groups

   
   

   Joining a support group can be life changing. Talking to others who understand can be powerful and healing. We offer a safe environment where you can talk, listen, give or get advice. Some of the topics we cover are:

   • Setting boundaries

   • Being able to say “no”

   • Giving back responsibility

   • Detaching from chaotic behaviours

   • Supporting without enabling

   • Dealing with feelings of loss and hopelessness

   • Keeping safe

   • Looking after your own wellbeing

     
     

4. Bereavement

   
   

   Bereavement is a long, painful journey affecting people in many different ways. Families Out Loud provides a safe and supportive environment where a trained counsellor helps you to navigate – at your own pace – the grieving process. By working together to explore your feelings and emotions as they continually fluctuate, you can start to heal and make positive changes in a forever changed world. 

   
   

5. Counselling/therapeutic support for family groups

   
   

   Family sessions can promote openness, discussion and prevent misunderstandings within families. Emotional manipulation is common behaviour for drug and alcohol users and, while family members are responsible for their own actions, our professionals encourage open and constructive dialogue with a view to reaching a consensus on how the family collectively responds to a loved-one.

Why These Services Matter

• Reduced isolation & stigma. Many family members feel alone; these services connect you with others who’ve been through much the same.

• Better communication & boundary setting. Understanding what helps / harms in support can reduce conflict and improve relationships.

• More likelihood of sustained recovery. Research shows family involvement improves outcomes for the person in recovery (less relapse, better mental health).

• Protecting your wellbeing. Families often neglect their own mental/emotional health; support helps you stay strong and avoid burnout.

How to Access Our Help

Here’s what to do:

1. Reach out to FOL — via phone, email, website form; let us know who you are, what you’re facing, any urgent concerns.

2. Attend an initial support group or counselling session — safe space, confidential, no obligation.

3. Keep connected & involved — ongoing peer support, regular check-ins, maybe family therapy or advocacy, depending on circumstances.

What to Expect

• Confidentiality: everything you share is treated with care.

• Empathy: our staff / volunteers have been trained and many have lived experience.

• Respect for your pace: no pressure; it’s okay to engage slowly.

• Signposting & collaboration: we might work alongside NHS, local authorities, other charities to get the best help for your situation.

How Families Outside Wiltshire Can Still Be Supported

Even if you’re outside our core region, many of our online resources, guidebooks, peer support ideas, and referrals can help. Also, we can connect you with national services and see whether there are similar local organisations near you.

Contact & Next Steps

If you want support, here are our contact points:

• Helpline: 07444 098427

• Email: enquiries@familiesoutloud.org

• Website / Contact Form: https://familiesoutloud.org/contact/

If you’ve never contacted FOL before, it might feel daunting, but the step of asking for help is one of the bravest and most important. You don’t have to manage this alone.

Families Out Loud is here to support you — in your confusion, in your hurt, in your hopes. The services we provide are rooted in evidence, compassion, and understanding. If you or someone you love is affected by addiction, don’t wait until things feel unmanageable. Reach out. Connect. You deserve support just as much as anyone else.