Children and Young People
Our young clients are living with the impact of parental / familial substance misuse at home and within the community around them.
50% of the children we support are 8 years old and younger, 50% are aged 9-13 years old. Our young clients are living with the impact of parental / familial substance misuse at home and within the community around them. Children affected by substance misuse can become isolated, vulnerable and at risk of neglect or abuse.
They are often missing out on their childhood, becoming young carers for affected family members emotionally and physically. Due to added pressures and stresses at home children may become distressed and present challenging behaviour at school which can lead to exclusion from mainstream education. Without the right support many are at risk of not reaching their potential.
“After coming to Hawkspring, I understand why the people I love do bad things.”
In addition, children and young people living with substance misuse in the home are at greater risk of being drawn into criminal behaviour, exploited by gangs and becoming young substance misusers themselves. We offer a targeted therapeutic 1:1 programme within schools that aims to build a trusting relationship, providing a safe environment that allows them to tell their story, learn techniques to cope with their situation and to gain awareness of addiction and its effects as a whole.
“I can talk about my dad now. I couldn’t really talk about him before.”
Historically, we have supported schools within the South Bristol area, but we are now offering schools in the wider Bristol area services which will support both children and teachers.
Peterson Square,
Avon, Bristol BS13 0BE
E info@hawkspring.org.uk
T 0117 964 2859
F 0117 978 4240