For young people
Westmorland and Furness Drug and Alcohol Services also runs dedicated services for young people under 18 years old.
Our Youth Substance Use Services provide a dedicated team of professionals, experienced in supporting young people, offering free, flexible and accessible service.
The service offers a range of tailored interventions, including harm reduction and education for drugs and alcohol, as well as support in making and maintaining change. The service offers outreach support in the community, specifically suitable venues (at home, local authority premises, school or elsewhere) for young people, separate from adult services.
For more information, please visit our Family Hub Webpage.
To refer yourself, or someone you know, please complete the online referral.
For informal queries, please contact: youthsubstancemisuse.waf@cumbria.gov.uk or call 01229 407560.
For adults
Westmorland and Furness Council commission Drug and Alcohol Services for adults (18 years and older). At current this service is provided by Recovery Steps Cumbria offering free and confidential support to people in the community about their substance use.
This service is available for anyone who:
- worries about their drinking and/or drug use
- may feel that their drinking and/or drug use is out of control and affects their life
- needs help to build links with other agencies because of medical or mental health problems because of their drinking and/or drug use
- may think their drinking and/or drug use could be having negative effects on them as an individual or their families and friends
- has been directed to engage accordingly from the Criminal Justice System
This support can be tailored to help you on your recovery journey.
You can find your nearest service for their direct contact details or refer yourself or someone you know, either online, or call 01900 512300.
You can also talk to your GP about how you’re feeling, and they might refer you to a drug and alcohol service or discuss other options with you.
For carers and loved ones with substance use issues
Westmorland and Furness Council commission a service for carers or loved ones who are affected by drugs and/or alcohol and need support. This service is currently provided by The Well.
The Well offers help, connection and guidance to carers and families of people who struggle with addiction, offering one-to-one and group support.
Further information on this service from The Well.
More information
For support and advice, from assessing your current habits through recovery and post-recovery support, visit UK Smart Recovery
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): A free in-person or online support group where people help each other get sober through regular meetings and the "12 step" programme.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA): A free in-person or online support group where people help each other recovery through regular meetings and the "12 step" programme.
For general advice and information about alcohol, visit NHS One you – Drink less and Drinkaware.
For general advice and information about drugs, visit Talk To Frank.
Support groups for families
Addiction Family Support. A safe space for people impacted by a loved one's harmful use of alcohol, drugs or gambling.
Al-Anon Family Groups is a mutual aid group helping families and anyone whose life is or has been affected by someone else’s drinking. They also host Alateen meetings for teenage relatives and friends of alcoholics between the ages of 12 and 17.
Nacoa (The National Association for Children of Alcoholics) is a registered charity that offers information, advice and support to children of alcohol-dependent parents. They offer online resources and message boards as well as a free telephone helpline.
Adfam provides safe and caring support to families, friends and partners affected by someone else’s drug, alcohol or gambling problems. This includes one-to-one phone or online support, bereavement support and support groups. It also delivers education and awareness talks in a variety of settings.
The Family Support Group for Kinship Carers runs a free, independent and confidential advice service. It offers advice to families that are involved with children’s services. This includes online guidance and forums, and a telephone advice line.
Related health and care needs
Drug and alcohol problems can sometimes result in other health or care needs. If you’re struggling to do certain things on a daily basis, visit our dedicated Adult Social Care and Health pages.
Every Life Matters Cumbria - suicide bereavement, telephone: 07908 537541
Samaritans - telephone: 0330 094 5717
Child Bereavement UK - telephone: 0800 028 8840.
Tommy’s - baby/pregnancy loss, telephone: 0800 0147 800.
Safety Net - support for domestic abuse and sexual assault, telephone: 01228 515859.