MPACT Program - Barnsley Recovery Steps

What is the MPACT Program?

The M-PACT program is a project that has been developed to help improve relationships between parents and children impacted by parental substance use. The programme focuses on the use of psychosocial interventions and evidence-based approaches to increase understanding and improve and heal family relationships. This comprehensive approach that includes group sessions for parents, children, and the entire family. It focuses on understanding the impact of substance misuse, developing coping strategies, and building resilience. By participating in this project, families can benefit from a safe space to share experiences, gain support, and work towards positive change.

Who is MPACT for?

The M-PACT programme requires that young people are affected by parental or guardianship substance use. To attend the project there are certain inclusion and exclusion criteria that can be seen below.

Families with children aged 8-17 where parental substance misuse or addiction impacts / or has had a detrimental impact on their children and young people.
Parents actively dealing with, or in recovery from Drugs or Alcohol
Non using supportive family members, including none using parents, grandparents and other significant adults in the lives of the children and young people
Children or young people living with kindship carers, foster carers or adoptive parents whose lives’ have been directly impacted by parental addiction
Families attending must be motivated to change
Families must be robust enough to handle the project’s challenges as sessions can often be quite emotive.
We cannot work with a parent who has a conviction for any offence that may put others in significant danger, especially convictions against children and young people.
M-PACT is not suitable for parents where there is current known risk of domestic abuse, as systemic behaviour change following the course could increase risk within the family
The using parents MUST be able to remain alcohol or substance free on the day of the group session (apart from prescribed medication)
Mental health considerations – If someone has current suicidal ideation or recent attempts on their life M-PACT may not be right for them until they have appropriate mental health support and gain stability.

How to refer to MPACT Program:

Barnsley Recovery Steps, email: brs.referrals@waythrough.org.uk

Barnsley Recovery Steps, Phone Number: 01226 779066

Other ways:

Referrals forms are available
Can be made by professionals, or directly by families
Completed referrals should be sent to
On receipt of a referral the family will be contacted by a member of the M-PACT team and a home visit arranged
During the home visit an assessment will be completed with each individual family member. If there are no contra indications – the family will be offered a place on the next available programme

Letters to Addiction

Letter to Addiction One

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Letter to Addiction Two

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Letter to Addiction Three

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