2. This is me and my family having a really good time.

3. We like doing family things.

4. We also have lots of friends.

5. This is my Dad. He drinks a lot of beer.

6. He can be great fun and he makes us laugh!

7. Sometimes he goes out to the pub for a drink.

8. Other times he drinks at home.

9. He gets a sore head from drinking too much beer and sleeps a lot.

10. He shouts at us if we make too much noise.

11. Mum worries about dad all the time.

12. He knows that drinking too much is not good for you.

13. If he’s not drinking, he’s thinking about drinking. .

14. Even when we do fun family stuff.

15. Sometimes he says things he doesn't mean when he's been drinking.

16. One time he was arrested by the police for fighting in the street.

17. Other times he embarrasses me and my Mum.

18. Some times he gets angry and scares me and my family.

19. Other times I feel like the adult and have to take care of him when he's drunk.

20. The next day, he says he can’t remember what he said or done.

21. He always says he's sorry and feels bad.

22. If this happens to you, you are not alone!3.4 million children in the UK live with similar problems at home.

23. Some children worry so much about what’s going on at home that they forget to have FUN.

24. Doing outside activities can help you forget about the problems at home and help you feel better about yourself.

25. Talk to someone you trust Talking about your feelings is not telling on your family-It’s about taking care of yourself.

26. Talk to a family member.

27. Talk to a Teacher.

28. Or talk to a close friend.

29. You can look online at these websites offering you help & support. www.nacoa www.childline www.neverassume.org

30. You can call special help lines free and speak to someone who will understand how you feel. Nacoa; 0800 358 3456 Childline; 0800 1111 NSPCC; 0800 800 500

31. One day Dad made up his mind to get help.

32. Mum went online and looked at all the choices of help & support available. www.neverassum.org

33. He didn’t know there were so many people just like him.

34. Help is available. YOU CAN TALK, LOOK ONLINE, OR CALL A HELP LINE.

36. NEVERASSUMEraising awareness 2010