Silent Voices - ending the silence on the impact of parental problem alcohol use.

Silent Voices - ending the silence on the impact of parental problem alcohol use.

Imagine growing up in a home where the silence around a parent's drinking problem is deafening. In this episode of 'The Alcohol File', Eunan McKinney sits down with Carol Fawsitt, Marion Rackard, and Barbara Whelan, the passionate founders of 'Silent Voices'. This initiative by Alcohol Action Ireland is dedicated to breaking the long-standing taboo in Ireland about discussing the effects of harmful drinking on children.

These founders share their heartfelt motivations and the progress they've made so far in bringing this issue to light. They also delve into the real-life experiences of children who have grown up with parental problem drinking, highlighting the often unseen struggles they face. The episode doesn't shy away from discussing the difficulties these children encounter when seeking help and the crucial role of compassion and understanding in supporting them.

A key takeaway is the urgent need for public health policies that focus on the well-being of these children. As Carol Fawsitt poignantly notes, 'many children who have this adverse experience are not, in my view, on anyone's radar'. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has experienced parental problem drinking or works in the field, offering valuable insights and a call to action to support those affected.