Hannah Hammoud
Each Wednesday, at the Sydenham Neighbourhood House, a support network gathers in the form of the Al-Anon Family Groups.
With a legacy spanning across 70 years globally, Al-Anon has provided crucial assistance to thousands of families and individuals living in unhappy homes due to a loved one’s excessive drinking.
Sydenham-based Al-Anon Family Groups organiser, Maree Connell said the group aims to provide emotional support for those in the community.
“Al-Anon began in the early 1950s in America and it was initially created to support spouses, predominantly wives, of husbands who were in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) seeking recovery,” Ms Connell explained.
“The wives would bring their husbands to AA meetings and realised they needed support themselves. This led to the formation of Al-Anon, allowing families to have a space for support.”
Ms Connell said Australia became one of the first countries to embrace the program, with Al-Anon meetings now widespread across the country, including in Brimbank.
The Sydenham-based group is nearing its first anniversary on July 10, despite the pandemic slowing progress, Ms Connell said she sees immense potential in the local area, particularly with the growth of young families.
“Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ve been running meetings for just under a year,” she said.
Ms Connell said the program offers help and hope, aiming to show people that they’re not alone.
“We welcome everyone. We only use first names and don’t require any private information. There are no contracts to sign, and participation is entirely voluntary. For the adult group, there’s a small voluntary contribution, but the Alateen program is free,” she said.
“It’s very isolating to deal with alcoholism in the family. People often don’t understand that they don’t have to suffer alone. There’s support available.
“What we suggest when a person comes – and it’s quite a courageous step for people to come the first time – you don’t have to say anything you can just listen. People can relate and identify and know they’re not alone. Nothing is ever spoken about outside the meeting.
“It is an ongoing program that follows same format with a different person in the chair each week. It gives people security and they know what to expect.”
Ms Connell said the group is also offering two introductory Alateen meetings in the July school holidays on July 3, and 10, at the same time as the Al-Anon meeting in an adjacent room. Facilitated by two experienced Al-Anon members, parents are invited to bring their teens and join the adult meeting.
“The Alateen junior program supports teens living with a parent or older sibling who is drinking. This program addresses the distress and anxiety these teens face, which can affect their schoolwork, studies, and behaviour,” she said.
“We’ve seen first-hand the hidden struggles of many teens.”
“Alateen functions similarly to Al-Anon, supporting families. We don’t offer professional counselling or psychological help but provide a platform for sharing experiences.
If you are troubled by the drinking of someone close to you, call the Al-Anon Family Groups helpline on 1300 252 666. Or visit: al-anon.org.au
