Base Camp
When a parent misuses alcohol the whole family suffers, especially the children.
Turning Point's Base Camp service directly responds to the Government's Reaching out: Think Family (opens in new window) agenda by providing a unique offering for those children and families affected by alcohol problems at home.
Base Camp has been running for nearly three years in three locations; Manchester, Wakefield and Barnet. The service looks at each individual and their family holistically to provide flexible, adaptable and relevant support.
Working together with young people either individually or in groups, the service provides a valuable opportunity for young people to talk about their problems, worries and concerns with workers who understand and listen. They are also able to meet and make friends with other young people in similar situations, helping combat the feelings of loneliness and isolation whilst having fun.
A recent evaluation report by two leading researchers from the Mental Health Research and Development Unit (MHRDU) at Bath University, concluded that; ‘Base Camp offers crucial support for young people’ (Wall & Templeton, 2009).
The report demonstrated that those young people who got involved with Base Camp felt they were engaging in a positive, meaningful and valuable service. Read about some of Base Camps young people.
Ben was 16 when he first came to Base Camp in Wakefield. Ben’s mum was an alcoholic, being supported by the Wakefield Alcohol Team. The team referred Ben to Base Camp. Read Ben's story
Lizzie was 14 years old when she was referred to Base Camp by her Family Intervention worker. Lizzie was living with her mum and mum’s partner, both of which had problems with alcohol and their drinking was the cause of constant arguments at home. Read Lizzie's story
Sophia came to Base Camp when she was 16. She had been referred by a Connexions advisor from the college where she was studying. Sophia was living with her mother, a chronic alcoholic. Read Sophia's story
The service works closely with many other organisations and services including drug and alcohol teams, housing agencies and other children’s and adult services in order to support parents and children to fulfil the Every Child Matters (opens in new window) objectives, helping children stay safe, healthy and to enjoy and to achieve.
Want to find out more about BASE Camp?
If you are a commissioner and want to find out about commissioning a Base Camp service fill in our Online form for Commissioners (opens in new window)
For general information fill in our online enquiry form (opens in new window)