Concerns for children as parents' drug and alcohol problems 'worsen' in West Midlands during lockdown

The NSPCC made 215 referrals between January 6 to March 22 last year before the first lockdown – a monthly average of 84.

But between April 20 to January 21 this year there were 1,444 referrals – a total of 144 per month, up a total of 72 per cent.

Referrals are made to external agencies when concerns are serious enough to warrant further investigation – or if it's felt a family needs support.

Kam Thandi, head of NSPCC Helpline, said: "Parental substance misuse can have a seriously detrimental impact on the whole family. The Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have created a perfect storm for families affected by addiction.

"At the NSPCC Helpline we’ve not only seen a rise in contacts and referrals but we’re also seeing families who weren’t previously known to children’s services requiring help and support for substance misuse.

"The pressures on families at the moment are unprecedented and it is no surprise that our helpline is hearing that parents and carers are struggling with substance misuse. To keep our children safe it’s vital that those who are relying on drugs and alcohol, to the extent that the care of their children comes second, must seek help.

"The Government must also invest more in local services. Our frontline practitioners have told us that many parents and carers are struggling to access specialist support services which will help them recover from the impact of the pandemic."

The NSPCC is calling on anyone who is concerned a child is at risk due to parental substance misuse to contact their helpline. Trained professionals can offer advice to make sure everyone in the family receives the support they need – both parents and children.

The charity's concerns are also being backed by Adfam, a charity which provides support to families affected by drug, alcohol or gambling addiction.

Vivienne Evans OBE, chief executive of Adfam, said: "We are seeing that the usual daily challenges associated with a parent or family member’s alcohol or drug problem – fear, domestic abuse, isolation, loneliness, and mental stress – are being exacerbated by the lockdown measures.

"A staggering 88 per cent of the families that we surveyed in our ‘Families in Lockdown’ survey told us that the first lockdown negatively impacted on their family member’s alcohol, drug or gambling problem. A third of families experienced an increase in verbal abuse from their family member and 13 per cent feel more concerned than usual for their safety.

"As drug and alcohol misuse is so stigmatised, we know that many young people are scared to seek support, and for many children affected by parental substance use, the lockdown impedes them from the safety of the school environment. We know that with the right kind of support, children and young people can navigate this challenging time. We urge families not to wait until breaking point."

If anyone is concerned about their own drug or alcohol intake and that it is affecting their family, support can be accessed by contacting the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or visit Adfam.org.uk to find your nearest online support group.