Al-Anon offers understanding and support for families and friends of problem drinkers, whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not. Alateen, a part of Al-Anon, is for young people aged 12-20 who have been affected by someone else's drinking, usually that of a parent.
The parents, children, wives, husbands, friends and colleagues of alcoholics could all be helped by Al-Anon and Alateen whether or not the drinker in their lives recognises that a problem exists.
At Al-Anon group meetings members receive comfort and understanding and learn to cope with their problems through the exchange of experience, strength and hope. The sharing of problems binds individuals and groups together in a bond that is protected by a policy of anonymity. Members learn that there are things they can do to help themselves and indirectly to help the problem drinker. Changed attitudes, which come from greater understanding of the illness, may result in the drinker seeking help.
Al-Anon is self-supporting through members' voluntary contributions and the sale of its literature.
The groups are non-professional and have no religious or other affiliations and no opinions on outside issues.
The History of Al-Anon
In the late 1930s in the United States, close relatives of recovering alcoholics realised that they too needed help. They sought solutions by following the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous and formed themselves into family groups.
In 1951 these groups were drawn together and became Al-Anon Family Groups.
The first Al-Anon group in the UK and Eire was started in Belfast in 1952. By 1960 there were eleven groups registered and in 1964 the first Alateen group was established. By 1970 the number of groups had grown to 100. Since then there has been rapid expansion and there are now approximately 1000 groups meeting regularly throughout the UK and Eire.
Worldwide more than 30,000 Al-Anon and Alateen groups meet in over 100 countries.
Al-Anon meets at St Bartholomew’s Church & Centre each week. Contact details can be obtained via the Parish Office between 10.00 am – 4.00 pm. Monday - Friday.
For further details visit the Al-Anon web site at:-
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