When someone you know is struggling, it can affect you too
When someone in your life or workplace is struggling with their mental health, substance use or addiction, it can be difficult for everyone involved.
You might be a partner, family member or friend, or you might be a colleague, manager or somebody they manage . You may be concerned about someone’s wellbeing, trying to understand problematic behaviour, or finding it difficult to know how best to respond.
Whatever your relationship, being alongside someone who is struggling can bring its own challenges. You may feel worried, confused, frustrated or overwhelmed, or simply unsure about how to support someone while also looking after yourself. You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Studies have shown that having a supportive network of people who understand mental health, substance use and addiction can play an important role in someone’s recovery and wellbeing.
How can we help you?
Confidential Helpline
Our freephone helpline offers a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space run by in-house counsellors who understand.
Counselling Services
We typically offer up to 12 sessions of therapy, each lasting 50 minutes, with a volunteer or in-house counsellor.
Support Groups
Our weekly support groups are a way to connect and share with people going through the same thing as you.
Get in touch
If you’re looking for support, please follow the steps below:
- Complete these questions
- One of our counselling team will get in touch to arrange a consultation call where we’ll chat about what support might be right for you
Alternatively, you can call our helpline team on 0800 030 6789 or email us at helpline@musicsupport.org.
To find out more about the services we offer
please contact us on 0800 030 6789 or use the form below
Family & Friends : Register Interest
Substance Use & Addiction Information
Music Support believes that addiction is a family disease. The impact of addiction often sends a ripple effect which can severely impact family and friends.
Our mission is to offer support to family and friends (including colleagues) who are affected by a loved one’s addiction and mental ill-health.
Some common feelings and challenges when trying to support someone with an addiction:
- You have money problems because of someone else’s drinking
- You feel no one understands you
- You feel hurt, embarrassed or distressed by their behaviour
- You are worried about their substance use
- You feel guilty when you think of the lengths you have gone to control them
- You find yourself excusing their actions
- You find yourself searching for their substances
- You are ‘walking on eggshells’
- You make threats, such as, “if you don’t stop using, I’ll leave you”
- You prefer not to have visitors because of their behaviour
- You have considered calling the Police because of their behaviour
- You are hiding your feelings
- You blame yourself, or others for the individual’s behaviour
- You feel powerless
Source: 1. al-anonuk.org.uk 2. “Codependent no more” – Melody Beattie
Family and Friends Resources:
We have curated a selection of resources from books and articles to videos, guides and support groups to help support you and those around you.
Family and Friends Resources:
We have curated a selection of resources from books and articles to videos, guides and support groups to help support you and those around you.
Addiction is a complex illness that not only affects the person who is dependent; it also has a profound impact on their loved ones.
While they play a crucial role in supporting their loved ones, family and friends can often be overlooked with very limited support available to help them navigate the journey and look after their own wellbeing.
Adfam research (2019) found that 1 in 10 people in Great Britain is currently dealing with a friend or family member’s drinking, drug taking or gambling.
Music Support was established in 2016 by veterans of the Music Industry with lived experience of mental ill-health and/or addiction as a personal and confidential support service provider that understood the specific needs and challenges that exist within the industry.
The new services for family and friends will commence in Autumn 2023 and roll out over the next twelve months.
The Christopher Meredith Foundation’s partnership with Music Support will make a long-lasting impact on our crucial efforts, continuing to grow this essential area of support for family and friends.
George Levers, Music Support’s Head of Service Development and Delivery said of the partnership, “We have dreamed of the opportunity to provide funding to our beneficiaries who would otherwise struggle to access addiction and co-occurring mental health treatment; an area currently publicly underfunded with stretched resources. Thanks to The Christopher Meredith Foundation this dream has come true. Not only that, but we are incredibly excited that we can now extend our reach to the family and friends of those in need”.
Sadie Meredith, CMF Trustee, commented, “We were hugely impressed with the culture and ethos which drives Eric, George and the whole team at Music Support. The addiction services they provide are life changing for their donors and we are delighted to be partnering with them to enable them to scale and widen their reach.”
