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Because Families Matter In 1992 the Familial Trust was nothing more than an idea in the head of a woman, whose life had almost entirely been affected by another's addictions in one form or another. Not for one minute suspecting or understanding addiction, this woman followed the man she loved from one agency to another, explaining to the professional sitting behind the desk that this man drinks too much and if he only stopped, things for the family would be fine. Seeking help for a relationship that had been ravaged by the devastation addiction leaves in its wake, this woman hit a place in her life where she could no longer cope. She began to seek help for herself, understanding that she had attempted all manner of things to stop the person she loved from not only destroying himself, but her and the children as well. She found that the help she needed for herself was greatly lacking, but managed to find support groups that helped. One or two counsellors who had an understanding of addiction were able to assist her on another level, however finding these counsellors was not an easy task. Some years later, and after many hours of contact with others that had taken a similar path, this woman began thinking of how she could help. She entered into training as an alcohol and drug counsellor and the idea of a safe and empathetic agency specifically for the families of addicts was born. Lyn's arrival took alot of the pressure off Karen Watson who was the sole counsellor and also allowed the agency to grow. In the middle of 2000, two women began to work on establishing a charitable trust that followed the objectives of "Families Matter". The deed was put together over a matter of months as the goals and objectives developed. People were approached to see if they would be available and enthusiastic about coming on board with the venture and on the 2nd of May 2001 the Familial Trust was registered as a charitable trust. From this time we worked from a home address while waiting for funding to come through for premises. The Monarch Counselling Centre provided us with a room to use at an hourly rate should any clients present. As word spread that there was a place for affected others to go and receive support, counselling, and advocacy, self referrals and referrals from alcohol and drug agencies steadily increased. December 2004 the Familial Trust was awarded a contract from the Canterbury District Health Board for one full time position for peer and advocacy support for significant others. This was fantastic recognition that the work we are doing was both needed and valued. 2005 saw the service take on two student counsellors. This proved to be a win-win situation for all concerned. Both Karen Watson and Lyn May were registered as competent practitioners with DAPAANZ ( The Drug and Alcohol Practitioners Association Aotearoa New Zealand) and Graeme Watson, the assistant manager, graduated from Unitec with a graduate diploma in Not for Profit management. As we move into 2006 we look back and sometimes it seems like a dream. In actual fact it all started from a dream - a big one. Karen Watson saw a need and slowly went about making it a reality and with the help of the many people who have contributed to get the Trust to where it is today - some in huge ways some small. Sometimes with words of encouragement or others with hard labour or financial donations . The agency is what it is today because of all these contributions large or small cash or kind. Early in 2006 the Familial Trust invited Minister Jim Anderton to open the ReSource book shop. The shop is dedicated to books on addiction for both families and addicts. The original book shop had been based at Queen Mary Hospital Hanmer Springs. With the closure of the Alcohol and Drug treatment centre at Hanmer the book shop languished. 2006 again the service has taken on students training to be Alcohol and Drug counsellors. This year is also significant as we will be celebrating 5 years of service to the community. November 2006 the Familial Trust turns five years old a real milestone. December 2006 more recognition from the Canterbury District Health Board with another full time position for peer and advocacy support for significant others. Thanks goes to all the Alcohol and Drug services in Canterbury for their support during this process. January 2007 the Trust is offered the use of a large country house for running workshops and retreats. The house will in the future be used for respite care for families and as a place for out of town clients attending the outpatient programmes.
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Consumers Corner
Familial Trust Consumer Group
The Familial Trust is an organisation that is staffed at all levels by trained consumers, including consumer representation at Board level. Underpinning the service delivery is an active Consumer Group responsible for providing feedback about the Trust’s services to management and the Board of Trustees. Consumers have a valuable and powerful voice and this voice can be used to bring recognition and support for a service that has brought sanity and serenity to so many of us.
This is your opportunity to give back to Familial Trust. Please come along to our next meeting to discover more about how you can be involved.
Tuesday 11th October 2011
12.00pm – 1.00pm
Familial Trust Group Room
Tea, coffee, biscuits provided
