Tamworth Borough Council are supporting a new local charity with a Community Grant and Councillor Grant funding to help families who have loved ones with addiction.
Dilemma is a charity run by a team of people who have lived experience in supporting someone with addictive tendencies. Each team member is at a different stage of the journey of a loved one’s addiction, meaning they have direct experience of the impact and challenges of the sleepless nights, the emotional blackmail, the manipulation, the lies, and the fear that come from someone close with addiction.
The charity was set up by the founder, Linda Easto, in Lichfield three years ago, after finding there was limited support in local communities for families. Dilemma carries the torch of HOPE for those affected by someone else’s chaotic and destructive illness.
The new sessions take place at Sacred Heart Community Centre from Friday 3 May, 7pm-8.30pm, plus weekly sessions on Tuesdays in Lichfield, then every Thursday and Friday evenings in Tamworth, and a drop-in session on Mondays at St Johns Church Tamworth.
Founder Linda Easto said: “Research shows that addicts have an 80% better chance of long-term recovery when the families are engaging in their own support. Dilemma offers support for families, giving addicted loved ones the best chance of recovery.
“I am thankful we are able to offer sessions in both Lichfield and now Tamworth, meaning more families can reach out for help and meet our volunteers who have real life experiences.”
Jo Sands, Assistant Director of Partnerships for Tamworth Borough Council, said: “We are proud to be supporting the new Tamworth Dilemma group with their valuable family support sessions.
“The £1000 community grant and £1100 of councillor grants, will help deliver weekly sessions at Sacred Heart and St Johns Church, plus training new volunteers with first-hand lived experience of addicted loved ones.
“Working with local community and volunteer groups, is a council high priority. This new service in our borough will help empower and engage families with similar experiences, in a safe and welcoming environment.”
Further information about Dilemma support: Dilemma ~ Support For Families With An Addicted Love One (dilemmacharity.org.uk)