Nacoa UK

To my childhood self, 'I understand why you are hiding. You feel petrified. 'But please know that you are not the reason for your father’s rage, particularly after the whisky, always after the wine. 'It is so unfair that you receive the punches and relentless verbal abuse caused by his uncontrollable anger. 'I wish you would let me come close to you. I wish you would let me wrap you up in the most tight loving embrace, one like you have never felt. 'If you let me hold you tight, only then will I be able to tell you a story about your life to follow... 'I wish I could give you the validation, the support, the attention you so desperately crave and deserve. I wish I could take away the hurt and despair. 'I can’t, but I can give you the warmth of an embrace that will somehow shield you through the loss of hope and terrible addictions that could have prematurely ended your life. 'But Yasi, I assure you, you will find peace. You will in time give your children the unconditional love that you so desperately craved. 'I am so proud of you Yasi, for getting up again and again and fighting for what you believe is right. And for that you should be immensely proud...' Read on: https://lnkd.in/ecyfK2yt Thank you Yasmine for sharing this letter to little Yas, pictured on the left of image. That little girl did not deserve to witness all that violence and dysfunction. It was never her fault and it is not fair. Though the children that we were are not gone, and live inside us forever. Relating to that child with kindness and compassion is a huge part of healing. Please everyone send love to Yasmine in the comments. Read the full piece too. She is soon to appear on the Paul Sculfor podcast 'This is Powerful', so please do give his feed a follow where you get your podcasts. If you are affected by this post, please know that Nacoa is here for you. Just search our name to find free, confidential help and support. https://lnkd.in/ecyfK2yt #DysfunctionalFamily #MentalHealth #childrenofalcoholics #adultchildrenofalcoholics #acoa #coa #adultchild #addiction #alcoholism #FYP #RecoveryisPossible #RecoveryPosse

This is one of my proudest moments in my 18 years as a families therapist that my ‘ 1 in 5’ documentary about the affects parental drinking has on children has reached 13 thousand views on you tube. I have given 13 thousand children a voice. HOWEVER , more needs to be done to reach the other forgotten children. Please watch the film, pass it on and support our work at Nacoa UK as we continue to give a voice to the beautiful little people who are being harmed in their own home by another’s addiction.  Nacoa UK Adfam Jerry Moe Steps Together 🌈Sofie D.Kathryn Georghiou Alex Clapp Darren Rolfe

This week Saoirse Ronan spoke how alcoholism in the family ‘has been formative in my life’. It’s so impactful. There’s still such stigma and shame. It silences us and leads 50% of Nacoa helpline callers (over 20 yrs data) keeping the family secret from anyone outside the home. But by sharing and listening to real stories, in real language, with no judgement, and a promise to always care, we are seeing that number forced into silence coming down. Which makes Saoirse’s story and work as a story teller even more impactful and important. There was a time at Nacoa where we never ever saw this discussed so openly, anywhere…ever. Ronan’s movie The Outrun, based on the story of Amy Liptrot, is being released in cinemas 27 September. Nacoa is here if you need free confidential advice and support. 💙 #childrenofalcoholics #adultchildrenofalcoholics #acoa #coa #adultchild #addiction #alcoholism

'I often thought of her as selfish, but now she's not here I understand this was an illness. 'It was a coping mechanism for her depression and now I feel overwhelming compassion and sadness for her, despite the hurt and pain suffered over the years. 'I wanted something positive to come out of this awful situation by raising money to help others. 'The stigma around drinking still exists resulting in many children of alcoholics hiding it and pretending things are okay. 'There are a lot of conflicted feelings you have to deal with. 'There are feelings of despair that this is happening, hope that things will change, loneliness at not being able to speak up, and love for that person, despite their addiction. 'I'm raising money in aid of Nacoa and every little donation will help. This is a cause that is extremely close to my heart...' Continue reading: https://lnkd.in/drk82heg 💙 Thank you Sarah for sharing your journey! It’s OK to hate the problems that alcohol can cause, yet love the person who is drinking. Addiction in the family can result in a lot of complicated, confusing and upsetting feelings. So much is kept swept under the carpet, even within our own minds. But understanding that it is not your fault helps us to heal and create healthy new memories. Please everyone send huge love to Sarah in the comments. Link in bio to discover more about her spectacular Edale Skyline walk and pop a ￡in if you can. 😇 https://lnkd.in/drk82heg #DysfunctionalFamily #MentalHealth #childrenofalcoholics #adultchildrenofalcoholics #acoa #coa #adultchild #addiction #alcoholism #FYP #RecoveryisPossible

Growing up a COA made me who I am today - Casey Affleck Just getting through the day as a COA (child of an alcoholic) forces you to grow up fast. We often pick up highly refined practical skills. Build unrelenting resilience. And unnatural gifts for reading the emotions of others. COAs become spectacular actors because they see so much of life, so young. And adopt masks to project an appearance over reality. Affleck shows that in beguiling ways in Manchester on Sea. While these are trauma responses and can become problematic, if guided in the right way sensitivities become superpowers for good. It is possible to turn this pain into passion. That is what Nacoa’s work is all about. We wanted the children of tomorrow to not feel alone, as we did. The empowerment of knowledge and guidance helps us make healthy decisions to not just survive, but thrive. You can support our work, by searching Nacoa and becoming a member today - https://lnkd.in/dq6RUuzE If you feel able, we’d love to hear about *your* superpower in the comments. 💙 #alateen #adultchildrenofalcoholics #childofanalcoholic #manchesteronsea #caseyaffleck #acoa #coa #adultchild #addiction #alcoholism #FYP #theinstigators

'It got to the point where he would have cans of beer and vodka next to his bed. 'He'd wake up and drink it in the night because if he didn't have enough in his system, his body would shut down.' 'By the time I was 17/18 his health deteriorated very quickly... 'I want to help others move forward from their past to create a happier story for themselves in the future and I'm so pleased to be doing that through Nacoa UK.' Nacoa ambassador Lorri Haines in the Daily Mail – https://lnkd.in/eP7W7e6H We cannot change the past, painful though it might have been and still be to our adult selves. Adult children of alcoholics are affected by traumatic experiences throughout their lives. Statistically we are much more likely to suffer from addiction, depression, suicide, eating disorders, and difficulty in relationships. But this isn't an inevitability. With support, children like Lorri can learn to make healthy choices and live a flourishing happy life. This is being the change you want to see. Thank you so much Lorri for sharing your story and being such an important part of this growing Nacoa family. Please everyone send your warmth and love to Lorri in the comments! https://lnkd.in/eP7W7e6H #RecoveryisPossible #Recovery #recoveryposse #DysfunctionalFamily #MentalHealth #SoberSpring #childrenofalcoholics #adultchildrenofalcoholics #acoa #coa #adultchild #addiction #alcoholism #FYP

Have you heard about The Shine Awards? The pinnacle of alcohol-free gala entertainment and the UK’s first ever alcohol-free awards ceremony run by Steps Together. All raising funds and awareness for Nacoa with some iconic razzle dazzle at the Titanic Hotel Liverpool on the evening of 11 September. 💃 Well we're excited to announce that Nacoa supporters can join the sparkle! And with a 20% discounted price using the code: NACOA. 🎟️ https://lnkd.in/eWadM5c7 Attendees will join the fun of the night, with a 3-course meal, team building games and luxury entertainment. Plus the money can’t buy time with Nacoa friends, patrons and ambassadors. The Nacoa community of attendees will be joined by Calum Best, Chanita Stephenson, Sarah Drage, Ian Stringer, Hilary Henriques MBE (founder of Nacoa) and many others. Each place includes: * 3-course meal * Alcohol-Free drinks package to share * Welcome drink on arrival * 90 minutes of team carnevalesque gaming! * Entertainment and singers * DJ and dancing ‘I am so excited to be invited to this event that will recognise the hard work of those making a difference.’ – Calum Best The event is managed by expert sober events company and incredible Nacoa partners Claritee! In other words, it's more than just an awards ceremony! Ready to shine? Join us on 11th September in Liverpool! https://lnkd.in/eWadM5c7

‘Addiction profoundly affects the lives of loved ones, making it crucial to talk about it openly. ‘If we don’t, where does that pain go, and where is the help for us and our loved ones? ‘If we can’t discuss it openly, how can we expect those affected to seek help?... ‘I started stitching about my dad and his drinking—expressing the thoughts and feelings that were overwhelming me. ‘Many of these thoughts were unpleasant, and I felt immense guilt. ‘However, transferring these thoughts from my mind to fabric brought immense relief, calmed my mind, and improved my sleep.’ Thank you Natalie for sharing about the creation of your community project #StitchAwaytheStigma. Read full article and get involved: https://lnkd.in/d5dyEfTw To the young people and adults who contact the helpline about an addicted parent, we often advise: - talk to someone - make time for yourself - understand your feelings are normal - read other people’s experiences - meet others with the same problem Natalie’s project embodies all these healthy choices in such a powerful way. Please all send love to her in the comments. Also, don’t hesitate to reply if you’d like to get involved or ask questions. #URNotAlone #childrenofalcoholics #adultchildrenofalcoholics #acoa #coa #adultchild #addiction #alcoholism #FYP #recovery #recoveryispossible

How would you like to join the VIP Nacoa Table at the Shine Awards? The pinnacle of alcohol-free gala entertainment. Nacoa members can win one of two free packages for themselves and a guest to come and join the sparkle! Enter now: https://lnkd.in/e5e5YA-Z This is the UK’s first ever alcohol-free awards ceremony run by @stepstogetheruk, raising funds and awareness for Nacoa, held at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool on 11th September 2024. Winners will receive one of two packages available, worth £300. Plus the money can’t buy moment of spending time with Nacoa friends, patrons and ambassadors on our special VIP tables. You’ll be joined by Calum Best, Chanita Stephenson , HIlary Henriques MBE (founder of Nacoa) and many others. Prizes include: 🌟 2 x Places on VIP table at Shine Awards at Titanic Hotel, Liverpool 🌟 3 course meal 🌟 Alcohol-Free drinks package to share 🌟 Welcome drink on arrival 🌟 90 minutes of team games 🌟 Entertainment and singers 🌟 DJ and dancing ‘I am so excited to be invited to this event that will recognise the hard work of those making a difference.’ – @mrcalumbest, Nacoa patron. The event is managed by expert sober events company and incredible Nacoa partners Claritee! #MentalHealth #SoberSpring #childrenofalcoholics #adultchildrenofalcoholics #toxicparents #abuse #acoa #coa #adultchild #addiction #alcoholism #FYP #RecoveryisPossible #sober

'A responsibility an 8-year-old should never have had.' 'Although things seemed ‘normal’ in our perfect Tunbridge Wells lifestyle, they were not. Behind closed doors, family life was chaotic, and we would have regular police visits to our home. 'Mum was a fierce alcoholic and under her mattress were rows of wine bottles – one could mistake it for a secret wine cellar. 'When we got home from school, Mum was typically asleep, and we would be careful not to wake her and release an angry, wicked alter ego. 'I would calculatedly wait outside her room until I heard the wine lid unscrew, burst my way in, physically restrain her to the ground and pass the bottle to my younger Sister to pour down the sink. 'With Dad being absent during key hours after school, I felt like I had to protect my little Sister and Mum... 'I met my partner Ed just 2 years ago, so he never met Mum (I am 27 now). In fact, I was estranged from Mum at the age of 18. 'Having completed Ride London together gave us a shared sense of connection to the charity [Nacoa] and it made me feel like we could connect to my Mum together in a positive way. I know she would have been so proud of us and the money we raised.' 'The thought of having a helpline like this would have really given us the support we needed in times we lacked it the most.' Emma's full blog: https://lnkd.in/dKaHTZAA Thank you Emma turning such painful experiences to a passion to help others by competing in the London Ride! Please everyone send massive love to Emma in the comments. This is why Nacoa was founded. Others shouldn’t have to go what we went through, alone! So beautifully represented in this incredible picture of Emma holding Ben’s hand finishing the 100 mile ride. We couldn't be here without incredible people like this. #DysfunctionalFamily #MentalHealth #SoberSpring #childrenofalcoholics #adultchildrenofalcoholics #toxicparents #abuse #acoa #coa #adultchild #addiction #alcoholism #FYP #AlcoholUseDisorder