Parents Matter
Parents Matter.
Alcohol & family life.
12 free, 45-minute online workshops for parents and carers, running from November 2026 to April 2027. Most of us enjoy a drink and want the very best for our kids. These relaxed sessions look at everyday family moments, what children notice, and the small changes that make a difference.
Free · Online on Google Meet · 45 minutes · No judgement. Camera off and change your name.
What is Parents Matter?
Parents Matter is a series of 12 free online workshops on alcohol and family life, delivered by Youth Unity and commissioned by Public Health at the London Borough of Havering.
Children notice more than we think: changes in mood, patience, tone of voice and routines. Most parents who drink aren’t dependent, but regular drinking can still change the feel of family life.
This isn’t about lectures. Each session is relaxed and practical, with ideas you can try that week and support close to home if you want it.
Every session stands alone. Come to one, or all twelve.
The 12 workshops.
Pick the sessions that suit you and book your free place on Eventbrite. You’ll get your joining details when you book.
November to January
Family life and alcohol: what the kids notice
Most of us enjoy a drink and want the very best for our kids. This relaxed session looks at everyday moments, like bedtime, weekends and celebrations, and what children see, hear and feel when alcohol is part of family life.
Book free →Workshop 2Thu 26 Nov 202612.30–1.15pm · OnlineWhat counts as a lot?
Pop in on your lunch break. Most of us have no idea how many units are in our usual glass, and that's fine. This session clears up the numbers without judgement, then looks at what it means for family life.
Book free →Workshop 3Tue 8 Dec 20267.30–8.15pm · OnlineChristmas, celebrations and kids
December is full of celebrations, and alcohol is often part of them. A friendly look at the festive season through children's eyes, with simple ideas to keep it relaxed, safe and fun for everyone.
Book free →Workshop 4Wed 16 Dec 20269.30–10.15am · OnlineLittle ones, big moments
The early years are busy, tiring and precious. A gentle session for parents and carers of babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers, looking at how alcohol fits around feeds, bedtimes and broken nights.
For parents of under-5sBook free →Workshop 5Tue 12 Jan 20277.30–8.15pm · OnlineNew year, small changes
Whether you're doing Dry January or just thinking about the year ahead, this session is about small, achievable changes, not big promises. Practical ideas that work for real families.
Book free →Workshop 6Thu 28 Jan 202712.30–1.15pm · OnlineStress, coping and family life
Parenting can be stressful, and a drink can feel like the easiest way to unwind. This session looks at stress, coping and what children notice, and points you to support close to home.
Book free →February to April
Through their eyes
Youth Unity works with children and young people every week. We share what they tell us about home life, anonymously and with care, so parents can see family life through their eyes.
Book free →Workshop 8Sat 27 Feb 202710–10.45am · OnlineRole models and honest talk
Teenagers notice everything, including how the adults around them drink. This session helps you talk honestly with your teen about alcohol and think about the example you want to set.
For parents of teenagersBook free →Workshop 9Tue 9 Mar 20277.30–8.15pm · OnlineCo-parenting and communication
Families work best when the adults are on the same page. This session looks at how alcohol can affect communication at home, and simple ways to agree, talk and repair.
Book free →Workshop 10Thu 25 Mar 202712.30–1.15pm · OnlineWork, wine o'clock and family time
Long days, after-work drinks and “wine o’clock” can all creep into family evenings. This lunchtime session looks at what kids notice and the small changes that help.
Book free →Workshop 11Tue 6 Apr 20277.30–8.15pm · OnlineSpotting when support would help
Sometimes it's hard to know whether drinking, yours or someone close to you, has become a worry. This session explains the signs and what really happens when you reach out for help.
Book free →Workshop 12Sat 10 Apr 202710–10.45am · OnlineCaring for children affected by alcohol
For grandparents, relatives, family friends and foster carers looking after children affected by a parent's drinking: what those children may have experienced and how to support them, and yourself.
For kinship and foster carersBook free →How it works
Pick a session. Choose any workshop that suits you. There’s no need to attend them all.
Book on Eventbrite. Reserve your free place and you’ll receive the details for joining online.
Join on Google Meet. Camera off and a different name are absolutely fine. Join from your phone, tablet or laptop.
Get your handout. A free take-home handout with tips and local support contacts is emailed after each session.
Good to know
Who is it for?
Any parent or carer, including grandparents, relatives, kinship and foster carers. Some sessions focus on under-5s or teenagers, but everyone is welcome.
Do I need to be worried about my drinking?
Not at all. These sessions are about everyday family life and small, steady changes, not labels.
Will anyone know who I am?
You can keep your camera off and change your display name. You don’t have to speak if you’d rather just listen.
Do I have to come to all 12?
No. Every workshop stands alone, so come to one or as many as you like.
What do I get?
A free handout after each session with key messages, something to try that week and a full list of support contacts.
Is it medical advice?
No. Our facilitators aren’t doctors or health professionals. If you’re worried about your drinking or health, please speak to your GP.
Where to get support.
You’re not alone, and asking for help is a strength. Free and confidential help, in Havering and nationally.
If someone is in danger, call
999 Police, ambulance, fireIf you can’t speak, cough or tap the phone. On a mobile, press 55 when asked.
Worried about a child in Havering?
01708 433222Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm 01708 433999Evenings, nights and weekendsAlcohol support
Aspire Havering (CGL)
Free, confidential adult alcohol and drug service in Romford. Support for family and friends too.
01708 747 614Call now →NHSDrinkline
Free, confidential advice about drinking. Weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm.
0300 123 1110Call now →Families and friendsAl-Anon
For families and friends of people who drink. 10am–10pm daily.
0800 0086 811Call now →Any ageNacoa
For anyone affected by a parent’s drinking. Monday to Saturday, 10am–7pm.
0800 358 3456Call now →Online chatWe Are With You
Free online chat about alcohol, for you or someone else.
wearewithyou.org.uk →Peer supportAlcoholics Anonymous
Support from people who have been there.
0800 917 7650Call now →Children and families
Family Lives
Parenting and family life support. Monday to Friday 9am–9pm, weekends 10am–3pm.
0808 800 2222Call now →Worried about a childNSPCC Helpline
For adults worried about a child. Monday to Friday, 10am–4pm.
0808 800 5000Call now →For young peopleChildline
Free and confidential support for children and teens, 24/7.
0800 1111Call now →HaveringHavering Young Carers (Imago)
For young people who care for someone at home.
0300 111 1110Call now →HaveringHealth visiting (0–19)
Havering health visiting and school nursing. Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm.
0300 300 1635Call now →HaveringFamily Services Hub
Find local family support and services in Havering.
familyserviceshub.havering.gov.uk →Wellbeing and safety
Samaritans
For anyone struggling to cope, any time of day or night.
116 123Call now →Text, 24/7Shout
Free, confidential crisis text support. Text SHOUT to 85258.
85258Send a text →NHS, 24/7NHS 111, mental health option
Urgent mental health help for any age. Choose option 2.
111Call now →Havering, NHSHavering Talking Therapies
Free help with stress, anxiety and low mood for adults 18+. Choose option 2, or self-refer online.
0300 300 1554Call now →24/7National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Free and confidential, 24/7. Live chat available online.
0808 2000 247Call now →HaveringHavering Women’s Aid
Local domestic abuse support for women and men aged 18+.
01708 728759Call now →About Parents Matter
Parents Matter is delivered by Youth Unity and commissioned by Public Health, London Borough of Havering. Our facilitators are not doctors or health professionals: workshops offer general information and signposting, not medical advice. If you’re worried about your drinking or health, please speak to your GP. Support details were checked in October 2026; services and opening times can change, so check websites for the latest information.