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We know that substance use can have a profound impact on babies, children, parents and family relationships, at all ages and stages, but particularly during pregnancy and the early years.   

• 2nd & 3rd December 2026, 9.30am - 3.30pm (both days)
• Cost: £175
• Info: This advanced two-day course deepens understanding of how parental substance use affects children and families. It supports practitioners to recognise risk, understand trauma and strengthen protective factors that improve outcomes for children.

This course explores Hidden Harm, the often unseen impact of parental substance use on children and young people. It supports professionals and volunteers to recognise both the immediate and long-term effects on children, even when families appear to be coping.

Families affected by substance use often experience cycles of stress, worry, guilt, anger, and helplessness. These emotional responses are entirely understandable, yet over time they can become patterns that affect wellbeing, relationships, and decision-making.

Dates: Thursday 12 November and Friday 13 November

Location: Crowne Plaza Newcastle, Stephenson Quarter, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3SA

Schedule: The programme is currently in development. The SSA can confirm that the Society Lecture and poster session will take place on Thursday 12 November.

It is our great pleasure to welcome you to the 32nd International Conference on Psychiatry, Mental Disorders & Psychosomatic Medicine, taking place on November 23–24, 2026, in London, UK.

This course focuses on the experiences of kinship carers, family members and friends who step in to care for children when parents are unable to do so, often due to substance use or other complex challenges.

Practitioners working with families affected by substance use, trauma, conflict, and bereavement are regularly exposed to high levels of emotional intensity and complexity. Without structured reflection and support, this can lead to burnout, vicarious trauma, and workforce fatigue.

This training course delivers essential insights into the issues surrounding parental substance misuse and safeguarding along with skills for working with parents who are using drugs or alcohol problematically. It is designed for anyone who’s work brings them into contact with parents who have issues with substance use.