Aberdeenshire Family Support Service

We offer support to anyone in Aberdeenshire over the age of 16 who is affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol use. 

To find out about support available in Aberdeenshire contact 01339 336056 or aberdeenshirefamilies@sfad.org.uk or call our National Helpline on 08080 10 10 11

You can also find us on Facebook.

What We Offer

Support comes in a range of different sizes. In Aberdeenshire, we offer:

One-to-One Support

We can offer you one-to-one support if you would like to speak to someone, confidentially, about a loved one you are concerned about.

We will offer you time and space to explore the issues affecting you, let you express your thoughts and feelings, and help you to come up with ideas and solutions to move forward. Common topics include improving communication, setting boundaries with your loved one, and looking after yourself.

Each support session lasts around one hour, and the frequency can be arranged to suit your needs. We travel across Aberdeenshire and frequently uses rooms in libraries, community centres and treatment services to meet with family members or support can be arranged via phone or video calls (Zoom etc).

Group Support

We facilitate an online Family Support Group every fortnight. It is held on Zoom and it is open to anyone 16 or over affected by someone else’s substance use. The group offers a chance to connect with other family members who are likely going through similar things to you. The format of the group varies so that there is something to hopefully suit everyone. Sometimes we have guest speakers, sometimes we have activities planned (e.g. cooking/baking) and sometimes we have a general meeting offering people the chance to share their stories, support and learn from one another.

If you want to talk to someone before attending email aberdeenshirefamilies@sfad.org.uk or call 01339 336056.

Dates and times for our group can be found here.

Please note that there are other peer-led family support groups operating across Aberdeenshire, contact us for up-to-date information on what is on offer in your area.

CRAFT

(Community Reinforcement Approach & Family Training)

At Scottish Families, we love using a programme called CRAFT.

CRAFT is a set of 7 structured sessions and is a solution-focused, skills-based programme with a strong evidence base. It involves role-plays to help you practice new skills and has small assignments and tasks which you will be asked to do away from the sessions.

If you would like to learn more about the CRAFT principles, this is something we can deliver either 1:1 or in group settings.

Access to Naloxone

Naloxone is a drug that can reverse the effects of opioid drugs like heroin, methadone, opium, codeine, morphine and buprenorphine. It is only effective for opioid overdoses and won’t work with any other drug.

We are now able to provide naloxone direct to anyone living in Scotland who is over the age of 16 through our ‘Click & Deliver’ take-home naloxone service, you can visit our Take Home Naloxone page to order a kit.

Support to Access Bereavement Counselling

If you have lost someone who used alcohol or drugs, our bereavement service is here to support you. We can chat and offer some advice and information. We also can put you in touch with an accredited counsellor who is local to you. Our service is free and is available across Scotland.

Our Aberdeenshire Family Support Team:

Carly Patterson – Aberdeenshire Family Support Development Officer

Carly joined Scottish Families having previously worked with people in recovery from mental health, physical health, and substance use problems. Carly has a particular interest in wellbeing and strives to help people live happy and healthy lives.

Katie Summers – Aberdeenshire Family Support Officer

Katie has a background in marketing and higher education, for the last few years she has worked for a third sector organisation, running a personal development programme for parents within Aberdeenshire. Katie discovered her passion for helping others to become their most confident selves, facilitating space for parents to feel safe, share knowledge and grow together as individuals.

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