Services - Alcohol Support

The SEARCH Project
(Support and Education for Alcohol-Related Challenges in the Home)

The SEARCH Project provides support to carers that are affected by alcohol-related issues, either because they are caring for someone who has an alcohol problem or because they are dealing with their own alcohol issues. The project will support carers of any age but has a particular focus on young adult carers (18-25 years) and older carers (65+ years).

The project aims to:

• Identify carers as early as possible
• Ensure that carers are aware of their rights to assessment and support
• Provide access to services which can help them to sustain their caring role

DOWNLOAD the SEARCH REFERRAL LEAFLET

Are you caring for someone with an alcohol problem?

Caring for someone with an alcohol problem can be particularly challenging as carers sometimes struggle to get the recognition and support they are entitled to. The stigma that is often associated with having an alcohol problem – as well as denial – can also be a barrier to getting the help required. It is common for carers to put all their energy and focus on supporting their relative and neglect their own health. It is important that you look after your own health so that you are able to support your relative. The first step to doing this is to ask for help.

The SEARCH project provides:

• One to one support
• Emotional support
• Learning support
• Access to a range of services which support carers
• The opportunity to meet with other carers in a safe and confidential environment

Do you think you use alcohol as a coping mechanism?

Caring for someone can be very stressful. There may be responsibilities and frustrations for you to cope with. Feelings of anger and hopelessness are not uncommon amongst carers. It is important that you get support to help you with your caring role and that your coping mechanisms are healthy ones.

If you regularly turn to alcohol to help you cope with a hard day, it could be doing you more harm than good. While alcohol can seem to make you more relaxed, if you are regularly drinking more than the Government’s lower risk guidelines, you could end up exacerbating the stress that you feel.

Drinking more often than you should over a long period of time can put you at risk of ill health which will make it harder for you to cope with the responsibilities of caring for a relative. You can assess whether you are drinking more than is safe by going to: https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/selfassessment

It is understandable that people are often reluctant to seek support with alcohol issues because of the stigma associated with it. We want to reassure carers that any contact with us will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Our evaluation report tells you first-hand how carers have benefitted from the SEARCH project. Download the Report >

To find out more, contact Elaine on 0141 941 1550 or email Elaine@carerswd.org