Southern Trust: Hidden Harm

Overview

Applications must be for services in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust area, i.e. in any of the following District Council areas; Craigavon, Banbridge, Armagh, Dungannon, Newry and Mourne.

The term ‘Hidden Harm’ is used because it vividly describes the situation of many children and young people affected by parental alcohol and drug misuse. These children can suffer in silence; their circumstances are often not known to services; they often do not know where to turn for help; and the impact of their parents’ substance misuse has a deep and long-lasting impact on their lives, which may not fully emerge until young adulthood and beyond.

Grants are available in two strands: 1) up to £3k per year for 3 years and 2) up to £7k per year for 3 years

The criteria for the funding is as follows;

• The application is from an agency or partnership with expertise in childcare, children’s services, education, work with families, drugs and alcohol or addiction services.
• The application must demonstrate that children and young people and families have been or will be involved with the planning and design of the service to be funded.
• The agency or partnership must have a track record of work with children and families or drugs/alcohol or addictions work.

The application is from an agency or partnership with expertise in childcare, children’s services, education, work with families, drugs and alcohol or addiction services.

Impact of Hidden Harm

• harmful physical effects on unborn and new born babies;
• impaired patterns of parental care and routines which may lead to early behavioural and emotional problems in children;
• higher risk of emotional and physical neglect or abuse;
• lack of adequate supervision;
• poverty and material deprivation;
• repeated separation from parents/multiple care arrangements/episodes of substitute care including fostering and care homes;
• children taking on inappropriate substitute caring roles and
• responsibilities for siblings and parents;
• social isolation;
• disruption to schooling and school life
• early exposure to drug and alcohol using culture and associated illegal activities and lifestyles

• poor physical and mental health in adulthood.

How to Apply

Guidance notes and application forms are available from the contact.

Grants awarded in 2011

www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/89k-small-grants-tackle-drug-and-alcohol-issues