June 22, 2017

A recent report* revealed that over 1,000,000 children across Australia are impacted by the drinking of others. And more than 10,000 children are in the child protection system because of this issue.

The report states: “Heavy drinking can be linked to a range of negative effects on children and families including modelling of poor drinking behaviours, family arguments, injury, child neglect, abuse and violence.”

This is an alarming social issue that simply cannot be ignored. At Holyoake, we offer special programs to help young people to develop the knowledge and skills to cope with their experiences and to foster an increased sense of self-esteem and self-value.

Our free programs include:

  • Art & Play Program
  • Young People’s Program
  • Building Resilience through Play Program

The Art & Play Program is for mothers with a history of substance misuse, and their children. Using art and play, it aims to build the mother-child relationship while reducing parental stress, providing support and improving communication.

The Young People’s Program is for children aged between 3-17 years who have been affected by a parental or a significant other’s misuse of substances. It helps young people to understand the circumstances and the skills to build resilience over time.

The Building Resilience through Play Program is for children aged between 5-15 years who are affected by alcohol and/or drug use of other members in the family. It provides a safe environment to express what they are feeling through play.

Many children and families have experienced the benefits of our holistic approach in a safe, caring and non-judgemental environment.

We need your help to offer these free programs to more children in need. As you file your tax returns, please consider a contribution to Holyoake. Donations over $2 are tax-deductible and much appreciated. Please click here to complete the online donation form.

*Laslett, AM., Mugavin, J., Jiang, H., Manton, E., Callinan, S., MacLean, S., & Room, R. (2015). The hidden harm: Alcohol’s impact on children and families. Canberra: Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education.