Do you have family or loved ones who suffer from substance or alcohol addiction?
DAFS (Drug & Alcohol Family Support) is a grassroots voluntary group, which can offer you support and empowerment, in a safe, non-judgemental, confidential and supportive environment.
This includes free group sessions, led by volunteers, every fortnight; one-to-one sessions on Zoom for those who are unable to attend face to face meetings, a monthly group for siblings and a confidential Facebook page as well as online communities on Messenger and WhatsApp.
DAFS also arranges special guest speakers, group walks and fundraising events, and a monthly well-being craft night.
Valerie and Lynn, the group’s founders said; “We set this service up six years ago after being affected ourselves as parents of loved ones in addiction.
“We have had almost 800 families contact us since we set up, from across Milton Keynes, Bedford and Leighton Buzzard, and we hold one of our group meetings in Bedford town on a fortnightly basis.
“After working hard for the last 10 months to become registered as a charity, we heard the fantastic news a few weeks ago that DAFS has now been accepted as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
“With our small group of volunteer trustees and facilitators, we are working over the next few years to grow awareness of our free service so that more Bedford families can benefit. We are also running some courses through the Bedfordshire and Luton Recovery College this autumn called You Are Not Alone.”
They added; “We know that addiction doesn't just impact the individual. It does not discriminate between age, gender, socio-economic background or cultural beliefs. Addiction can affect any family.
“Addiction is a disease, which causes chaos and devastation for families who are affected by watching the suffering of the people they love and care about. They feel a huge amount of helplessness.
“Our goal is to help families be heard, establish trust and make connection with others. This helps eliminate feelings of isolation, helps families to feel more empowered and to have hope for the future.
“All families impacted by addiction also deserve a path to recovery.”
A Bedford Borough Council spokesperson said; “DAFS is a fantastic support service and we’re happy to champion the work they do.
“The Council has worked closely with them for many years, and they have strong links with Path 2 Recovery, the local drug and alcohol treatment service.”
The DAFS fortnightly face-to-face evenings take place every other Wednesday in Bedford. The monthly sibling events are also on Wednesdays via Zoom, and the monthly online group meetings are on Thursdays.
To find out more or to make a referral visit www.dafsmk.co.uk or use the referral link https://form.jotform.com/202724328118350