Hettys runs a helpline 365 days a year, it is a small team of paid workers and volunteers who man the phone and ensure there is always someone to talk to. For many families picking up the phone is so hard after spending years trying to keep a loved ones substance misuse hidden from others due to societies stigmas. That first phonecall is so important to have fully trained professionals who have also had personal experience and can provide the right support at the right time.

Hundreds of families across the UK are quietly suffering the anxiety and stress of living with or caring for a loved one who has serious problems with drugs or alcohol. They are trying to do their best to help but feel isolated - many try to keep it secret and many have had to deal with years of financial, emotional and sometimes physical abuse. Hettys helpline is there when others aren't 365 days of the year there is someone on the end of the phone to talk to who understands.

The impact of the project is that families will always have someone to talk through there immediate worries and concerns with, the workers can gice specialist advice on how to deal with issues and to help families cope in some diffciult situations. The help line will enable families to feel they are not on there own and that someone cares for them and what they are going through. For many we are a lifeline, there when other services are closed.