Support

Supporting Parents & Carers of Drug Misusers

Lauren's Link is an organisation offering support to parents and carers of drug misusers and was formed due to the tragic death of 16 year old Lauren Rodgers, of heroin abuse. Drugs not only destroys the person misusing but destroys and devastates whole families. As a parent / carer you feel so isolated, ashamed, guilty, basically a failure as a parent / carer. Lauren's Link runs a support meeting for parents / carers from all walks of life to meet an share their experiences.

Everyone who attends finds the support very beneficial taking away the isolation you feel and knowing that you are not alone.

Lauren's Link support group meetings are every Tuesday from 6pm until 8.30pm at Halliday House, 2 Wilson Street, Derby. If you think that you would be uncomfortable sharing with others then Lauren's Link offers one to one support. The office is open for this service from 10am until 3pm.

Please don't stay isolated, we are here to support and understand you. Some comments made by parents and families who access Lauren's Link.

"I feel that Lauren's Link has given me a lot of support. In the few months I have attended I have become a stronger person towards my son and drugs. Lauren's Link has helped me tremendously and a phone call or to drop into the office has made me feel better and I am thankful to the group for their support. My son is at present clean and in prison but I enjoy going to the group even now and will carry on going."

"No longer isolated - I've now met people who care."

"I have been coming to Lauren's Link for over 1 year now, I have had lots of help and support from everybody at the group. Lauren's Link has saved my life!"

"Lauren's Link has given me the strength an support to carry on with life! Before I came here I felt isolated, lonely, ashamed, guilty, depressed and unable to cope."

"I felt so much better when I found that it didn't mean I was a bad mother and that it was OK for me to take care of myself and protect myself. It's very helpful to hear that other people have been through the same as I have. I have made friends that I can feel OK with. They know how I feel and we can all be open with each other without embarrassment."

"Lauren's Link has benefited me so much, I do not feel alone anymore, feeling that I was the only one with a daughter on heroin. None of my friends' children are on heroin, I have had so much support from other parents in the group. Lauren's Link is a life saver!"