A programme developed in Cornwall to help young people struggling with a family member’s alcohol use has won part of £6m in Government funding.

The organisation Addaction’s Speak Out project urges young people to come forward for help.

The drug, alcohol and mental health charity says young people are often reluctant to seek support because of shame and stigma about their home life.

The Government announced £6million of funding to run projects like Speak Out to support children of parents with alcohol problems.

Speak Out works with 11- to 18-year-olds in schools and youth centres through one to one support and group work.

The programme helps young people to understand substances, the risks involved, and positive coping strategies. A key aim of the work is to reduce the likelihood of the young people developing their own alcohol or drug problem.

Speak Out was developed in Cornwall, through the Young Addaction service YZUP. Young people are often referred to the Speak Out project because a family member joins the Addaction adult service.

Whilst the family member works to address their alcohol or drug issue, there are specialist family workers who support the whole family and the young person gets support through Young Addaction and the Speak Out project.

To get in touch with Addaction visit www.addaction.org.uk where there’s a free, confidential web chat.