Parents Under Pressure

Not all parents who drink or take drugs harm their children, but children living with parents with alcohol or drug problems can be at more risk of harm and neglect.

Getting parents the right help and support as early as possible is crucial in helping them to develop secure and healthy relationships with their children.

Parents Under Pressure™ aims to support parents who are on a drug or alcohol treatment programme. It can help them keep their recovery on track. 

We help mums and dads to:

  • build their strengths as a parent
  • develop a safe, caring relationship with their baby
  • feel calm and in control
  • learn practical parenting tips and life skills, like financial management.

How it works

Parents Under Pressure™ is available to parents of children under the age of 5.

We visit mums and dads at home and visits are designed to meet the individual needs of each family. The whole programme lasts for 20 weeks.

We aim to make families happier together by helping parents with the pressure and stress of looking after a young child and managing their drug or alcohol treatment.

We provide advice to parents on how to deal with challenging behaviour and how to deal with their own emotions. This includes:

  • using praise and reward to encourage good behaviour
  • developing a good relationship with their child, recognising their feelings and needs (attachment theory)
  • dealing with their emotions, allowing them to keep calm and focus on being a parent. 

Using mindfulness to help parents

Mindfulness encourages people to focus on a feeling of relaxation and inner calm. It helps to boost happiness and confidence levels whilst also reducing anxiety, stress and irritability.

Working together to help children and families

We work alongside other agencies involved with the family, such as drug and alcohol teams, local children’s services, GPs and other local health services.

Parents Under Pressure™ was developed in Australia where it has been shown to help some families. We’re testing it to see what a difference it can make for families here in the UK.

Who to contact

Telephone
Helpline NSPCC freephone 0808 800 5000 Helpline NSPCC freephone 0808 800 5000

Availability

Referral Details

Contact based on Referrals from agencies,GPs or other health services. Parents requesting information Enquiry Email: coventryers@nspcc.org.uk  

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