October was another busy month for the family support team.
“The Next Chapter Programme” came to a close early this month. “The Next Chapter Programme "was launched by the D15 Family Support Service in August 2025 to support 18–25-year-olds living with parental substance misuse who had completed the 5 Step Method. Developed in response to a gap in local service provision, the seven-week aftercare group offered workshops on self-worth, boundaries, emotional regulation, and healthy relationships. The programme provided a safe, supportive space for young adults to explore the impact of growing up around addiction, build resilience and coping skills. The series concluded with a relaxing acupuncture session in October. The group also encouraged meaningful peer connection, allowing participants to share experiences with others who have faced similar challenges, strengthening their sense of understanding, belonging, and hope for the future”.
Mary our Family Support Co-Ordinator and Laura our Family Support Education Prevention Worker both attended the EUPC 2 day training this month. The European Prevention Curriculum (EUPC) is a structured training programme developed to enhance the professionalism and effectiveness of drug prevention efforts across Europe. The EUPC aims to reduce the health, social, and economic harms associated with substance use by building a skilled and knowledgeable prevention workforce.
The team hosted SAOR training in the task force building for teachers in the local D15 schools along with our newest staff member Family Support Worker Sophie . SAOR training is designed to enable healthcare and social service professionals to engage in short, supportive conversations that help individuals reflect on and potentially change their alcohol or drug use. It is particularly effective for those with mild to moderate substance use issues and can also facilitate access to specialized treatment for more severe cases. The whole group found the training very effected.
Sophie, Laura and Mary all attended the first 2 in person sessions of Parenting Under Pressure. The PuP programme integrates psychological principles of parenting, child behaviour, and emotional regulation within a case management model. It aims to:
- Strengthen the parent-child relationship
- Improve emotional regulation in parents
- Foster secure and nurturing family environments
Tailor support to each family's unique needs
Maxine our other Family Support Worker has begun a PUP parenting group in a local addiction treatment centre. This is going very well.
Sophie and Mary attended Motivational interviewing training. Motivational Interviewing (MI) Training is a structured, evidence-based approach designed to help professionals support individuals in making positive behavioural changes, especially when ambivalence or resistance is present. Both Mary and Sophie found this very beneficial.
Big thanks to Katriona O Sullivan who gifted 6 tickets to the D15 family support service to see her play POOR. These tickets were given to 6 women who went to the women's only showing.To end off the month the Family Support Team also went to see the play POOR by Katriona O Sullivan. It was a brilliant and though provoking play.