Support for the whole family.

Alcohol and other drug (AOD) use can strain relationships, increase social isolation and harm families’ resilience. We can help families work through issues including relationship stress, social isolation, physical and emotional strain and financial security.

Family services

Family support for AOD challenges.

Alcohol and other drug use can strain relationships, increase social isolation and harm families’ resilience.

Our family services provide brief and longer-term support for family members and significant others, including parents, grandparents, carers, children, partners, couples, or any person who identifies that the substance use of another person is impacting them.

We can help you work through issues including relationship stress, social isolation, physical and emotional strain and financial security.

Family counselling

Counselling can provide brief and longer-term support for family members and significant others, including parents, grandparents, carers, children, partners, couples, or any person who identifies that the alcohol or other drug use of another person is impacting them. Choose long-term counselling support to work through challenges, or attend a single session to gain information, get advice and seek support. Our counsellors can work with families online or in person, to identify their needs and goals so they can move forward together.

InFocus - family support course

Delivered by Self Help Addiction Resource Centre (SHARC), InFocus is a comprehensive education program offering practical information, coping strategies, and life skills for family members who have been impacted by the alcohol and other drug use of a loved one. Participants are able to connect with others through their shared experiences. The program is facilitated by professionals who have also been impacted by someone’s drug and alcohol use and is free of charge.

Supported playgroups

Uniting offers family playgroups for parents and carers to meet weekly with their babies and young children. This supported playgroup utilises the Smalltalk model, and provides a safe space for parents wanting to connect with their children who have faced or are facing challenges with alcohol or other drug use. Referral to other community services can also be accessed, in line with the individual’s goals.

Available in Coburg, Keon Park and Heidelberg West. Please call 03 9480 6800 for more information.

Family reunification

The Family Reunification Program works with parents of children who have become involved with the Child Protection system and are living in out-of-home care. Our team offer support to families with children on current Family Reunification Orders where the completion of alcohol and other drug treatment is a requirement. Family Reunification workers not only support parents with counselling to address AOD related issues, but can assist with other issues including mental health, family violence and safety planning through ongoing case management support.

General Family Services

Looking for more support?

Uniting also provides general Family Services including support for families experiencing domestic violence, parenting skill development, out-of-home care services, and services for young people.