I found this site after researching charities and associations that support young children who suffer as a result of alcohol abuse, whether they be alcoholics themselves or the children of an alcoholic parent.
Fortunately, I've never had an alcohol or drug problem, however I lost my father at the age of 7, after years of alcohol abuse that eventually led him to take his own life.
17 years on and I'm keen to start making a difference by finding some time to help those who find it hard to cope with an alcoholic parent, or those who have lost a parent as a result of alcohol abuse.
For a long time I was very angry person. I suffered from depression in my teens and my mother, a manic depressive then, was a very difficult person to deal with. My brother also found his way into drugs and alcohol, something I've found hard to cope with in recent years, until he was charged with drink driving last year. I was hurt and confused as this was something my father did on many occasions and we worried that his actions might make his situation worse. Would he take his own life too?
One year on and he's healthy, free of drugs and alcohol, and is training to become a fireman because he wants to help people and do something to make a difference.
It is only in recent months that I've found it in myself to forgive a lot of things that have happened in my past, however I do think it could have come a lot sooner had I plucked up the courage to find others out there like me. Perhaps my brother might have done the same.
My depression and anger and loss of my father, however, hasn't stopped me from achieving the things I set out to achieve. It has instead affected me in a different way, encouraging me to take a look at the world around me and see the hope in bad situations and the courage of those who come through them.
I do think this is a fanatastic initiative and I can see it growing and developing in many ways. Congratulations, Emma, on setting up a website that will encourage children to discuss their problems and help each other through what can be a difficult time.
SJ
