Getting support with domestic abuse, substance or alcohol misuse and mental health

Some parents need support with a variety of needs that are preventing them from being the best parent or carer that they could be.  If you are experiencing issues around domestic abuse, substance or alcohol misuse, or mental health, there are a number of different support services available in Redbridge to assist you.  It is important that you seek support as these issues affect the whole family and most importantly, can impact on the safeguarding of children and young people.  Research shows that the environment in which a child lives is crucial to his or her health, safety and well-being.

Domestic Abuse

For information on domestic abuse, visit Redbridge Families Information Direct (FiND).

 Substance and Alcohol Misuse

The provider for R3 (Redbridge Recovery & Reintegration) – adult substance misuse service  – is VIA.   The service is non-judgemental and will support, through the provision of advice, treatment and support, those people wanting to make changes in their life in relation to substance misuse.  The Redbridge section of their website, which includes a downloadable referral form, is here.  If you have any questions about the service, please e-mail info.r3@wdp.org.uk.

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy puts the unborn child at risk of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) which includes serious mental and physical problems that can affect the baby throughout their whole life.  FAS is completely avoidable if you don’t drink alcohol during pregnancy.  Experts are still unsure exactly how much alcohol is safe for you to have while pregnant, which is why not drinking at all is the safest approach.  If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, do refer to the guidance on NHS Choices about the risks of FAS.  Support and guidance can also be accessed from your GP and via the websites below:

  • NOFAS-UK – national organisation dedicated to supporting people affected by FAS.
  • Drinkaware – independent charity working to raise awareness of the effects of alcohol abuse.
  • Children’s Commissioner booklet – You are not on your own – support to enable children, young people and parents talk about parental drinking

Mental Health

Redbridge Talking Therapies provides free, confidential treatments and support for those struggling with their wellbeing and mental health. You don’t need to be diagnosed with a mental health condition to access the service. The service can help with common issues such as anxiety, stress, sleep problems, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), depression, phobias, social anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) amongst others. Treatments include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Counselling for depression and more. The service offers individual as well as group therapies, delivered by a diverse range of clinicians, many of whom speak a variety of languages and come from a variety of different backgrounds/cultures. Redbridge Talking Therapies accepts self-referrals as well as referrals from GPs and other health professionals. You can find out more, and refer yourself for the service by calling on the number below, or by filling out an online form on the Redbridge Talking Therapies website.

Please note you must be at least 18 years old and registered with a Redbridge based GP to access the service.

Email: RDBTalkingtherapies@nelft.nhs.uk

Website: www.talkingtherapies.nelft.nhs.uk/redbridge/

Phone: 0300 300 1554—option 1 (9am–5pm, Monday–Friday)

Online self referral form: www.iaptportal.co.uk/nelred.html

Facebook: www.facebook.com/rdbtalkingtherapies

For more information, visit NELFT . For additional information on parenting through difficult times, including the issues above, visit Redbridge Families Information Direct (FiND).

Good Thinking have produced a useful guide for parents in relation to supporting their child’s mental health: