Helping Kids Thrive Amidst Substance Use Challenges
Episode Overview
Support groups provide emotional support and a safe space for kids. Education about addiction helps children understand it's not their fault. Resiliency skills enable kids to thrive despite challenges. Pandemic has increased the need for support services. Educators play a crucial role in supporting affected students.
When you give kids the skills and tools to be resilient, they not only bounce back but they thrive.
Imagine being a child or teen grappling with the complexities of a loved one's substance use disorder. In this episode of 'Conversations That Matter', hosted by Tina George from Caron's Education Alliance, you'll hear from Wendy Lyne, a coordinator for Caron's youth education programme. Wendy brings her extensive experience and heartfelt dedication to helping young people navigate these tough situations.
She discusses the critical importance of providing emotional support, education, and resiliency skills to kids affected by a family member's addiction. Wendy highlights the role of support groups in creating a safe space for children to express their feelings and learn they are not alone in their struggles. She also emphasises the need for age-appropriate education about addiction, helping kids understand that they are not responsible for their loved one's condition.
Wendy passionately explains how building resiliency skills can enable children not just to bounce back but to thrive despite their challenges. The episode covers the impact of the pandemic on these vulnerable young people, revealing an increase in substance use disorders and a greater need for support services. Wendy shares various services offered by Caron, including in-school support groups, virtual programmes, and campus-based initiatives.
She also touches on the obstacles that prevent kids from accessing these vital resources, such as stigma, lack of awareness, and logistical barriers. The conversation extends to how educators can play a pivotal role in supporting these students by building trust, recognising signs of distress, and offering necessary accommodations. Wendy's passion for her work shines through as she shares the transformative impact these programmes can have on young lives.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to better understand and support youth affected by a loved one's substance use disorder. It’s packed with practical advice and heartfelt stories that underline the importance of this work. If you care about helping children build resilience and thrive despite adversity, you won’t want to miss this episode.