Older Carers

Between 2014-17 Adfam was funded by the City Bridge Trust to work with and supported people aged over 55 in London who were affected by the drug or alcohol use of a loved one.

We believe that people affected by a particular issue are often best placed to support others also struggling with the same issue, which is why the project’s emphasis was on peer support. During the project we:

• held a monthly peer support group (some with a trained counsellor) where people offer one another practical and emotional advice, help and support in a friendly and non-judgemental environment
• ran regular information and skills sessions on topics such as The Care Act or mindfulness
• went on regular trips and excursions – for members to relax, socialise and take some time for themselves
• published a report ‘No one judges you here’ (pdf) which shared what we have learnt from the project so that other services can better address the needs of this vulnerable and marginalised group

In 2018 we also received funding from the Masonic Charitable Foundation to deliver a further four support sessions for this group. 

Here’s some feedback we received from attendees:

Whilst this project has now ended, Adfam runs a monthly support and advocacy group in central London for families supporting a loved one with a dual diagnosis. Find out more here.