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. This could be a direct family member, or even a friend or a colleague who is using substances.
Carly Patterson is the Family Support Development Officer for Aberdeenshire, contact Carly directly on 07879674061, email: carly@sfad.org.uk, or call our National Helpline on 08080 10 10 11
Connect with our Aberdeenshire service today:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarlyPa93910263
We also take referrals from all external agencies – make a referral here.
What We Offer
Support comes in a range of different sizes. In Aberdeenshire, we offer:
- One-to-One Support
- Group Support
- CRAFT (Community Reinforcement Approach & Family Training)
- Support to access Bereavement Counselling
- Access to Naloxone
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.
Carly 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. Carly travels across Aberdeenshire and frequently uses rooms in libraries, community centres and treatment services to meet with family members. Please note that as a result of Covid-19, support is currently delivered remotely via phone calls, texts or Zoom calls.
Group Support
Carly facilitates an online Family Support Group every fortnight. It is held on Zoom and it is open to any adult 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 one another and learn from one another.
For more details on days/times/events please contact Carly, carly@sfad.org.uk or on 07879674061.
Please note that there are other peer-led family support groups operating across Aberdeenshire, contact Carly 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 Carly can deliver either 1:1 or in group settings.
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.
To discuss this further, contact Carly on 07879674061 or call our National Helpline today on 08080 10 10 11
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
Contact Carly on 07879674061 to discuss this further, or visit our Take Home Naloxone page to order a kit.
Who We Are
Carly Patterson is the Family Support Development Officer for Aberdeenshire.
Carly joined Scottish Families in July 2019, having previously worked with people in recovery from mental health, physical health, and substance use problems.
As the Family Support Development Officer for Aberdeenshire, Carly focuses on providing support to anyone affected by someone else’s alcohol or drug use. She provides support on an individual basis, or within a support group setting.
Carly has a particular interest in health and wellbeing and thrives to help people live happy and healthy lives.
Outside of work, Carly enjoys walks with her dog and loves exploring different parts of the world.
For any enquiries about the Aberdeenshire family support service, contact Carly carly@sfad.org.uk, call her directly on 07879674061 or follow Carly on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarlyPa93910263