Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs

25/06/2026

We obviously cannot get enough of The Kelpies being lit up in our colours of purple and teal on Monday evening! These photos have been kindly given to us by Chris McHendry who has captured the beautiful lights.

None of this would be possible if it weren't for family member Kerry - you are incredible!!

25/06/2026

📰💜 Family members affected by someone else's alcohol or drug use are often asked to share deeply personal experiences with the media.

To help make these conversations as safe and supportive as possible, we've worked with family members who have previously shared their stories to create 'A Wee Nudge' - a short guide for journalists covering these experiences.

The resource highlights five simple but important reminders around communication, consent, boundaries, expectations and privacy. By approaching family stories with care, dignity and respect, we can help ensure family members feel heard, supported and empowered when sharing their experiences.

Read 'A Wee Nudge' here:

A Wee Nudge is a gentle guide for journalists interviewing family members affected by someone else's alcohol/drug use.

24/06/2026

💜 What a few days it's been so far for Celebrating Families Week!

On Monday evening, the Kelpies were lit up in our colours in recognition of families affected by alcohol and drug use across Scotland. All organised by amazing family member Kerry.

It was a proud and powerful moment, helping to shine a light on the often unseen experiences of families, while celebrating their strength, resilience and love.

A huge thank you to everyone who has been part of Celebrating Families Week so far. We've loved seeing everyone come together to recognise the vital role families play every day. 💜

24/06/2026

💜 At our Meet & Mingle in Stirling today, we were delighted to feature this beautiful poem written by family member Irene M.

We're incredibly grateful to Irene for allowing us to share her words. The poem is a heartfelt reflection on the impact of support, connection and community, and captures so much of what Celebrating Families Week is all about.

Thank you, Irene, for this wonderful contribution.

24/06/2026

🎵💜 To mark Celebrating Families Week, we're sharing a very special playlist curated by family members from our national support services.

Every song on this playlist holds a memory, a message, or a moment of strength. From tracks that honour loved ones to songs that provide comfort during difficult times, each selection tells a personal story.

Featuring artists including Amy Macdonald, Biffy Clyro, The Lumineers, Elton John, Bob Marley, Oasis and many more, this playlist is a powerful reminder of the experiences, resilience and love that families carry with them every day.

Listen to the playlist via the link below and visit our website to discover the stories behind the songs 💜

Playlist · rebeccab · 36 items · 6 saves

23/06/2026

💜 This Celebrating Families Week, we're launching a new resource exploring the connection between neurodiversity and substance use.

Shaped by the experiences of families across Scotland, the guide brings together practical information, lived experience insights, and support for families navigating these often-overlapping challenges.

We're also delighted to share that we've secured funding for a dedicated Neurodiversity and Substance Use role, helping us continue this important work.

Read the resource here:

23/06/2026

🚶‍♀️💜 Our Step Challenge is back this September!

We're aiming to take an incredible 26 million steps together throughout the month - and we'd love you to be part of it! Whether you manage 600 steps or 6,000 steps a day, every step counts towards our shared goal of supporting families affected by alcohol and drug use across Scotland.

When you sign up, you'll receive:
✅ An online wellbeing journal
✅ A daily step tracker
✅ Access to a private Facebook group
✅ Support from the Scottish Families team
✅ A Scottish Families badge
✅ Sponsor sheets if you'd like to fundraise

Fundraising is completely optional, but if you raise £30, you'll receive an exclusive 26 Million Step Challenge t-shirt!

Sign up today and help us reach 26 million steps together:
https://ow.ly/nx5V50ZfYfY

22/06/2026

Celebrating Families Week starts today!

Tonight, the Kelpies and Falkirk Wheel will be lit in purple and teal to mark the start of this celebration - a week dedicated to recognising the love, strength and resilience of families affected by a loved one’s alcohol or drug use.

These iconic landmarks have been illuminated thanks to a nomination from family member Kerry, who wanted to celebrate families and give back after receiving support from Scottish Families.

For families who are often supporting loved ones behind the scenes, this is a visible reminder that they are not alone 💜

21/06/2026

Every family’s experience is different.

This Father’s Day, we’re proud to support Alcohol Focus Scotland's campaign and help raise awareness that alcohol isn’t always an appropriate gift.

Thank you to the family members who shared their perspectives in support of more thoughtful ways to celebrate the father figures in our lives. 💜

19/06/2026

This Father’s Day, we’re proud to support Alcohol Focus Scotland's campaign.

For some families, the gift of alcohol can be a reminder of difficult experiences and the harm caused by a loved one’s drinking.

We’re grateful to the family members who shared their perspectives to help encourage conversations about thoughtful alternatives this Father’s Day. 💜

Take a look at the quotes below and join us in thinking outside the bottle.