Online support groups

It is important that families affected by someone else’s drug, alcohol or gambling problem receive the support they need and deserve.

Many organisations are now offering online and virtual support to families instead, including virtual support groups and online web chat services. You can find a list of some of these below:

Online support groups

Dave and Tina host the first Invitation To Change meetings (ITC) in the UK. The meeting uses a different approach to the 12 step method based on science and kindness.

Their free group trains and helps anyone who is supporting a loved one that is struggling with alcohol and other drugs (AODs).

It’s an open group, and we take a holistic approach, so we get a lot of professionals and people in recovery are also welcome to attend.

Every Sundays and Tuesdays at 6 pm on Zoom.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81498967810

Online ‘Parenting in Recovery’ support group for families every Monday at 1pm. 

Meeting link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2912012970?pwd=aXl0ZFZWU1BMRk9SMDVJUEhZNzZ5QT09

➢ Meeting ID: 291 201 2970

➢ Passcode: 333214

Virtual support group for families (7.00 – 9.00pm on Thursdays) and virtual 1:1s (available Monday – Friday between 9am – 4pm)

Families Anonymous run groups for families and friends of those with a drug problem. Some of these groups are now running virtually, call their helpline on 0207 498 4680 for more information (calls are answered daily 1-4pm and 6-9pm)

Kenward Trust run a free weekly support group on Thursday mornings for friends, family, and loved ones of those who are misusing substances.

Virtual support group for over 18’s affected by someone’s substance misuse. Every Tuesday 5pm to 6pm, please contact us on 0333 332 4019 for more details.

UK-wide Family & Friends Meetings are available on Monday evenings 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm and Thursday evenings 7.00 pm – 8.30 pm

Online webchat

Free and confidential web chat for friends and family members.

Online chat service that is open every weekday, from 1.30pm to 5.30pm, to talk about any family or parenting issue.

New online chat service, Reach Out, providing friendly help and advice to people affected by drug and alcohol issues, including loved ones and family members, available between 9am and 3pm Monday-Friday (excluding Bank Holidays).

Online chatroom to talk about issues related to problem gambling with other people in similar situations. Family & Friends chatroom every Thursday at 9.30pm.

Free and confidential online chat service available: weekdays – between 10am-4pm and 6pm-9pm; and on weekends: 11am-4pm.

Social media groups

Victoria Seed has been helping individuals and families recover from addiction for nearly two decades. She offers a range of support for families including this Facebook Community for women, just like you, who want to live their most happy and peaceful lives while coping with a loved one’s addiction. There is a monthly  ‘Cuppa and Connection’ session and much more. You can also view support sessions on Victoria’s Addiction & Family Recovery YouTube Channel and download free ‘Ten Ways To Family Recovery’ top tips.

For help and support, please contact victoria@vestaapproach.co.uk

A Facebook group managed by Jo Huey for daughters of alcoholics. Jo specialises in supporting daughters of alcoholics also offering one to one sessions and online courses. If you’d like to be with others just like you, Join Jo’s Daughters of Alcoholics Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/daughtersofalcoholics.

Families can also speak with other families anonymously via Adfam’s online peer support forum.

If you know of any other virtual support group/web chat service that isn’t listed on this page please get in touch with us at admin@adfam.org.uk.

The support options listed above are delivered by organisations that are independent from Adfam. Adfam takes no responsibility for the quality of any support you may receive via these organisations, or any others listed on our website. Any views expressed are not necessarily endorsed by Adfam.