Support for the whole family.

Alcohol and other drug (AOD) use rarely impacts just the individual – it affects the whole family.

Family services

Family support for AOD challenges.

Alcohol and other drug use can strain relationships, increase social isolation and harm families’ resilience.

Our family services provide brief and longer-term support for family members and significant others, including parents, grandparents, carers, children, partners, couples, or any person who identifies that the substance use of another person is impacting them.

We can help you work through issues including relationship stress, social isolation, physical and emotional strain and financial security.

Alongside our longer-term family counselling support, our Single Session Counselling Model provides people with an opportunity to gain information, get advice and seek support without committing to ongoing counselling.

Smalltalk supported playgroups

Uniting offers family playgroups for parents and carers to meet weekly with their babies and young children. This supported playgroup provides a safe space for parents wanting to connect with their children utilising the Smalltalk program model.

Referral to other community services can also be accessed, in line with the individual’s goals.

Available in Coburg, Keon Park and Heidelberg West. Please call 03 9480 6800 for more information.

InFocus - family support course

InFocus is a free six-week course for family members and loved ones who are concerned about and impacted by the alcohol and other drug use of a loved one.

InFocus offers practical information, coping strategies, life skills and the opportunity for people to connect through their shared experiences. The program aims to support a shift of focus from the challenges you may be facing to a new way of living.