About DrugFAM

+ Introduction

+ Meet our Founder

+ Meet our Patrons

+ Meet our Trustees & Advisors

+ Meet our Fund Raising Team

The Nicholas Mills Foundation was set up by Elizabeth Burton Phillips in August 2006 in memory of her son Nick who tragically died as a result of drug abuse in February 2004. Elizabeth’s experience while living with the nightmare of twin sons who were addicted to drugs and alcohol had been devastating but when looking for support and help she found that substance misuse services are focused on problem heroin and stimulant users while failing to notice the problems faced by families of users, who themselves experience extreme distress, hardship and chaos as a result of their loved one’s addiction. She was determined that others who found themselves in a similar situation would have somewhere to turn for support and help.

There are an estimated seven million people in the UK affected by someone else’s substance misuse. In England alone, more than 1.5 million people may be affected by a family member who is a regular user of class-A drugs (Adfam, 2007). It is believed the severe and enduring stress experienced by family members can, in parents, result in a high level of physical and psychological morbidity (Orford et al. 1998). A 2001 survey by ADFAM (‘We count too’) showed that one in five (21%) carers in the UK, providing substantial care, are not in good health compared to 11% of those who do not have caring responsibilities.

Elizabeth identified individuals who had offered support to her in founding the charity and the first meeting of the Trustees of the charity took place in December 2006. At that meeting it was agreed that the foundation should seek to become both an incorporated company and a registered charity. Incorporation was achieved in October 2007 and registration of the charity was completed in March 2008. It was also agreed that the charity would trade under the name of DrugFAM.

While establishing the necessary protocols and procedures for charitable and company status the work of the charity focused on getting Elizabeth’s message - that addiction could affect anyone - to schools and community groups. However in spring 2008 it was agreed to extend the work and with the support of DrugFAM, the Buckinghamshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) agreed to commission a survey to identify the needs of families with a substance abusing member. The findings of this research were delivered in August 2008 (Survey to identify the needs of families with a substance abusing member, Bucks DAAT August 2008). Of the people surveyed either through focus groups or questionnaire, those with personal experience were all in agreement that the strain of substance misuse on families is enormous. It deprives them of normality and they are never far from breaking-point. Families from all ethnic groups also suffer from isolation. Additionally the survey sought to establish the type of support that respondents would like. 51% chose one-to-one support with support groups as the second preferred form of support chosen by 46% of respondents. It was highlighted that one-to-one sessions might be necessary to prepare some family members for support groups.

Following the release of these findings the Trustees of DrugFAM and key advisors from the DAAT and police met in September 2008 to discuss the findings and define a strategy and immediate actions. At that meeting the following were agreed –

Mission Statement

‘Our mission is to establish ourselves as a lifeline for families struggling with the nightmare of Addiction’

Values

‘DrugFam, as a not-for-profit social enterprise, sets its Core Values as Trust, Hope, Integrity, Inclusion, Change and Progress’.

Services we aim to provide

The range of services can be classified as -

Supporting family members, significant others and friends of people who are experiencing substance misuse problems through provision of support groups, one to one counselling services, telephone support and key workingEducation and Substance Misuse AwarenessCampaignsVolunteering

Cost to users

Services would be free to clients although voluntary contributions either financial or voluntary working for the charity would be encouraged.

Funding

DrugFAM had sufficient funds to establish a six month pilot project to provide a telephone and group support service in the Wycombe area.

Future Funding

DrugFAM will continue to fundraise through events and individual donations and will also seek relevant grants from local and national funding bodies

In October 2008 Tom Ward was appointed as Project Director. His role was to establish the head office, a telephone support service, a weekly drop in support group and a drop in centre for individuals in search of information and key working advice. In addition he was charged with establishing links to all relevant drug and caring services, statutory authorities, local community leaders and GP surgeries.

In January 2009 DrugFAM offices were opened in High Wycombe providing a space for group meetings, support advice and one to one counselling. The first support group meeting was held on 22nd January and an official launch held on 6th February. Excellent relationships have been established with the DAAT and other relevant support service personnel. By June 30th 2009, 62 individuals had sought support either by attending the weekly support group, telephone contact or by ‘drop in’ to the offices. June alone saw 19 new clients. Clients to date (November 2009) are now are over 100. Feedback on the service provided has been very positive.

Following discussions that started in March, Crack-it!, a small church run support group in Wokingham, became part of DrugFAM in June 2009. In May 2009 Slough DAAT approached DrugFAM and a weekly support group will be held in Slough, commencing 15th July. The Trustees and Tom Ward are now working to define a clear ‘offer’ of the services that DrugFAM can provide and the cost and timescale in which it is able to provide the service given that additional financial and people resource that will be necessary for each new location. Clear protocols and policy for training and performance review of all DrugFAM employees and volunteers are being defined within BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) guidelines.

The Trustees have agreed to continue the employment contract for Tom Ward. In addition a job description and advertisement are being prepared to employ a Counselling Services Manager who will be responsible to set up a one to one confidential counselling service. This role will initially be on a part time basis and for a 6 month trial period. The successful individual will be a qualified counsellor with a minimum of 5 years experience. This role will be advertised in September 2009 with the aim of having the successful applicant in place by the end of 2009.

The Trustees are delighted at the take up of our services in the first six months of operation and the encouragement this has given us to extend our services further. We must now ensure that we proceed wisely.

My thanks to Tom, my fellow trustees and our many volunteers – fundraisers, office volunteers and administrators - for their hard work, expertise and commitment and for giving so much of their time to make someone else’s life that much better. I would also like to add a special thanks to Elizabeth Burton-Phillips who while holding no specific office remains active in the charity.

Ann Canham

Chairman

2009

© 2010 DRUGFAM. All rights reserved. Registered Charity No. 1123316 | FDAP Number 213 | BACP number 164596.