When you’re worried about a loved one’s drinking or drug use, the first steps towards getting help can feel overwhelming.
Who do you call? What do you ask? How do you understand what’s needed, and navigate what can feel like a confusing road to recovery?

In this episode, we’re joined by Sue (CEO) and Claire (House Manager) from Brynawel, who handle many of the first enquiries from families and individuals seeking support.

We talk about:

• What those first phone calls usually sound like — and why

• The difference between detox and rehab

• How to access local support and what is available in the community

• The two main routes into residential rehab in the UK: self-funding vs local authority funding

• Why ethical services won’t admit someone immediately without proper checks

• What families can do to help — and what they can’t do for someone

• How we carry hope in the work we do as a rehab

If you’re making the first call — or thinking about it — this episode offers a calm, practical guide to help you take the next step.

For more information, you can call us on: 01443 226 864

or email: contact@brynawelhouse.org

www.brynawel.org

Services mentioned in this episode are...

barod.cymru

alcoholchange.org.uk

adferiad.org

rehabcymru.org.uk

dan247.org.uk

smartrecovery.org.uk

alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

na.org (carcotics anonymous)

cocaineanonymous.org.uk

Christmas can be a happy time — but it can also bring pressure, expectation, and extra challenges, especially when alcohol or addiction is part of family life.

In this episode of The Families and Carers Toolkit, we are joined by Brynawel's Head Therapist Paul Doster and Aftercare Practitioner Laura to talk about navigating Christmas when a loved one is in recovery or still struggling with substance use.

We explore how families can approach the festive period with more openness and kindness, the importance of early conversations, setting supportive boundaries, and letting go of the idea of a “perfect” Christmas in favour of something that feels safer and more manageable for everyone.

A gentle, honest conversation for anyone looking to find a calmer, compassionate way through the holidays where alcohol or substance use is involved.

In Episode 4, I sit down with therapist Annie to talk about the often-overlooked practice of self-care. We explore why it’s so easy to neglect ourselves when supporting someone in addiction, and how our emotional awareness is key to understanding what we really need. Annie shares insights into the four areas of wellbeing—emotional, mental, physical, and social—and we look at the role of therapy, the “feelings wheel,” and the importance of giving ourselves permission to rest and heal. We close with a simple self-care challenge and a guided meditation to help reconnect with the body and breath.