Page 10 - link magazine

10 swindonlink.com • December 2008

Get healthy, stay healthy, with Caring for someone with a drug or alcohol problem?
HomeopatHy Many people will have seen and been moved by the Dispatches documentary on 3 November Mum loves
drugs, not me which portrayed the struggles of children trying to make sense of their mother’s addiction.
Phone or visit the website for information Anne Billingham, Carers’ Support Worker for Substance Misuse, at Swindon Carers says many people are
allergy testing carers - a partner, parent, sibling or friend - and there is support for them.
150 foods and airborne irritants you might not think of yourself as a ‘carer’ - the word is most often associated in the public mind with
tested with instant results. the role of a paid worker supporting an older person in their own home.
No needles, no blood tests But a carer is also someone who, of their responsibilities. Carers of Carers say that their top priorities
without being paid, provides sup- people with substance misuse prob- are the need for emotional support,
Ruth Derham, PHSH RSHom port to a partner, child, parent, lems may not live with the person non-judgemental listening and
4 High Street, Purton relative, friend or neighbour who they support and might even have information. And this is where
Tel: 01793 771820 cannot manage because of illness, a difficult relationship with them, Swindon Carers’ Centre can help.
disability or addiction. but they still might provide a great Carers of substance misuse come
www.purtonhomeopathy.co.uk There is plenty of evidence that deal of emotional support, includ- from all walks of life and back-
caring can take a physical and emo- ing helping to ensure that they grounds, as do the people they are
tional toll on the carer’s own health stay safe, responding to incidents caring for, and learning that there
and well-being as a consequence of self-harm or overdose. They are other people who understand
might provide financial support what you are going through, can
if the person they love buys drugs be a source of great support.
rather than buy food or pay the rent, We are urging people who care for
leading to debt problems of their or support someone misusing drugs
own; and they might even take on or alcohol to get in touch.
the responsibilities of bringing up For details call Anne on 531133
their grandchildren if it is their own at Swindon Carers Centre, 1 Wood
child misusing drugs. Street, Old Town, or mail: anne.
The health impacts of this con- [email protected]
stant state of worry and respon- Open Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm.
sibility can be overwhelming but
can also remain ‘hidden’ because Drop-in at Swindon Carers
of the stigma attached to substance Centre, 1 Wood Street
misuse. This in turn can increase the
carers’ sense of loss, powerlessness Thursday 11 December,
and isolation. Carers themselves 10am - 11.30am
report high incidence of disturbed Meet the Carers’ Support Worker
sleep, depression, stress related and find about Time 4 Us
physical illnesses and strained substance abuse self-help group
relationships.

Denplan 1 Open evenings until 7pm four days a week
Professional, affordable dentistry

(in comparison with the NHS)

• 2 Competitive, affordable prices
3 Free dental treatment for children
Private 4 Hygienist now available
5 Payment schemes are available

• 6 Cosmetic treatment available,
including: Zoom 2 Whitening

& Implants

Independent 7 Plenty of parking space
8 Disabled access available

PrIOry Vale DeNtal PraCtICe, Millgrove Street,
redhouse Village Centre, Swindon SN25 2FW
Open: Mon - thurs 9am - 7pm / Fri 9am - 4pm
tel: 01793 745291 / Fax: 01793 745298
MIltON rOaD DeNtal PraCtICe
Berkeley House, 9 Milton road, Swindon SN1 5Je tel/Fax: 01793 523877

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