A CHARITY aimed at supporting families affected by a loved one’s substance abuse, is celebrating after receiving funding to extend their service.

Footsteps 2000 Ltd, a charity based in the YMCA, received the funding from the Tudor Trust, which supports charities and volunteer groups in the UK.

The grant will enable them to provide support for grandparents who care for grandchildren affected by parental substance misuse.

This funding will enable Footsteps to provide grandparents in this situation with information and support to help them increase in resilience as well as improving their safety and wellbeing to regain control over their own lives whilst providing care to their grandchildren.

In the last six months, Footsteps has received further funding from the Coalfields Trust to provide counselling to adult family members affected by substance misuse in St Helens who are struggling with low levels of anxiety and depression.

Service manager Pauline Pointon, said: “Our team of experienced and committed Family Workers know just how difficult it is for our clients to support a loved one who is struggling with substance misuse.

“In St Helens we have helped hundreds of parents, partners and siblings and have recognised the need to extend our service to offer a designated counselling provision and a specialist grandparents service.

“Thanks to the Coalfields Regeneration Trust and the Tudor Trust we are able to offer this valuable support to the people who need it most."

Currently there is no waiting list for this service and Footsteps welcomes new referrals.

For more information call 01744 808212 or email info@footstepsforfamilies.org