Happy New Year to all our supporters.

The Sky documentary (My son, drugs and me) that Will and I took part in was repeated tonight, 12 Jan, on Sky 3. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has already written or phoned me about it, particularly to those fathers who have been in touch. I know how hard it is for some men to open up and express their feelings, but also recognise how empowering it is when they are able to.

I would urge anyone suffering with the problem of cannabis use in the family to get some support, you really don’t have to suffer alone – nor is it useful to. Even though dads are supposed to be tough, and we know that boys don’t cry (?) but sometimes you just need to admit you need support and reach out for it. I recommend our colleagues at DrugFam, www.drugfam.co.uk, who offer free counselling, email and phone advice  services. They have lots of network  groups across the UK too. FamAnon are excellent too – see their website for details of the peer support groups that run. Last April I was invited to the Sevenoaks branch to talk about the Cannabis Diaries – the work they are doing there is superb. I wish I had known about them when we were in the mire with our son.  You are not alone – but so often as families we feel just that.

Do get in touch if I can be of any further help. Also, new blog and website on the way called ‘Coping and then some’, a support and online community for anyone going through particularly challenging life circumstances and how to survive – you may like to take a look and get involved: www.debrabell.co.uk. Be good to hear from you. I was brought up by a single step-dad after my parents died, from the age of 12. Witnessing first hand the effects of stress and trauma on my step-father, as he struggled alone with his feelings of grief and anger, was deeply disturbing. It’s a topic I’d like to see discussed in the forum of the new site – or of this one. Dads need support too.

With best wishes

Debra

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