Brought Up By Booze
Calum Best is the son of one of the greatest footballers of all time, George Best. He is also the son of an alcoholic.
In this intimate and challenging BBC Children in Need special, Calum confronts the harsh realities of growing up with an alcoholic parent. Meeting some of the 1.3 million children who are growing up with a parent that abuses alcohol, and sharing with them intimate tales of his own upbringing, Calum begins to accept that his life continues to be affected even now by his father’s drinking.
Brought Up By Booze takes Calum across the UK to meet young people who share stories of chaos and neglect, but also inspirational stories of determination not to end up like their parents.
What does George’s addiction mean for Calum’s future and will he ever understand the illness that killed his father? In this raw and often distressing journey of a son still reaching for his dad, wesee first hand the devastating effect that drink can have on alcoholics’ children.
Below are details of organisations that can help both children and adults with the effects of alcoholism
FOR CHILDREN
NACOA (featured in documentary)
Nacoa provides information, advice and support for children of alcohol-dependent parents and people concerned for their welfare. The telephone helpline 0800 358 3456 is free from landlines and some mobiles and is open to all. We also provide help by emailhelpline@nacoa.org.uk and by post to PO Box 64, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 2UH. Calls, emails and letters are not limited and we welcome providing ongoing support.
ALATEEN (featured in documentary)
Al-Anon Family Groups is a worldwide organisation offering support and understanding to the families and friends of problem drinkers, whether they are still drinking or not. Alateen, a part of Al-Anon Family Groups, is for young people aged 12-17 who have been affected by someone else's drinking. Confidential helpline: 020 7403 0888, 10.00am - 10.00pm daily Website: www.al-anonuk.org.uk
MPACT (featured in documentary)
Moving Parents and Children Together (M-PACT) supports children/young people aged 10-17 who are experiencing the effects of parental substance misuse within the family. The programme offers a ‘Whole Family Approach', working with parents and children together. If you and your family need support due to a loved ones drug or alcohol misuse, please call 01747 832032 or visit www.actiononaddiction.org.uk
BASECAMP (featured in documentary)
Base Camp is a Big Lottery funded project, run by Turning Point and based in Wakefield, Barnet and Manchester. It offers a free confidential support service to young people aged between 8 and 18 years old affected by parent/carer alcohol misuse. It helps young people reintegrate into education, training, employment, and their local community and also works with families to eradicate the impact of alcohol use on children and young people. If you are affected by parental/carer alcohol misuse and would like to contact a member of the Base Camp team for advice or support, please call Turning Point on 020 7481 7600 or visit www.turning-point.co.uk
COAP
COAP is a website with a peer led online support network for young people affected by someone else's drug misuse, alcohol misuse or addiction to some form of behaviour. COAP provides a place for young people to share their experiences and to support each other.www.coap.co.uk
CHILDLINE
ChildLine – 0800 111 ChildLine is the UK's free and confidential, 24-hour helpline for children in distress or danger. Trained volunteer counsellors comfort, advise and protect children and young people who may feel they have nowhere else to turn. www.childline.org.uk
FOR ADULTS
CLOUDS HOUSE (featured in documentary)
Clouds House is a first stage residential treatment centre for people with drug and/or alcohol problems. If you have been affected by this programme and need help with an addiction problem please call 01747 832032 or visit www.actiononaddiction.org.uk
DRINKAWARE
If you are concerned about your drinking, or would like to find out more information, stats, facts and tools to drink safely visitwww.drinkaware.co.uk
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
If you seem to be having trouble with your drinking, or if your drinking has reached the point where it worries you a bit, Alcoholics Anonymous is an organization that runs a 12 step programme of recovery from alcoholism. There are groups right across the UK. Tel: 0845 769 7555 You will speak to someone who knows the problem from personal experience. (Local rate charges apply). Email: help@alcoholics-anonymous.org.ukWebsite: www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
ADFAM is a national charity working with families affected by drugs and alcohol. The website has a database of local family support services. Tel: 020 7928 8898 or visit the website www.adfam.org.uk
DRINKLINE is a free and confidential helpline for anyone who is worried about their own or someone else’s drinking. Tel: 0800 917 8282
PARENTLINEPLUS offers support and information for anyone parenting a child. Tel: 0808 800 2222 or visit www.parentlineplus.org.uk
if you would like to read the Article "Coping with an Alcoholic Parent" by Michelle Conway
RUNTIME:
60 Minutes
PRODUCER:
Joanna Grace
DIRECTOR:
Katy Sheppard
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:
Brian Woods
Tina Cawte
RELEASED:
2009
Reviews
"Insightful, moving and, at times, unexpectedly uplifting; the surprisingly endearing Best Jr makes an empathetic and thoughtful interviewer"
The Daily Mail
"Exceptionally moving and enlightening...Calum spoke eloquently and powerfully from experience...this was revealing and raw, with no candy coating."
Tim Teeman, The Times