AN ORGANISATION that helps people come to terms with a parent's alcoholism is to be set up in Christchurch.

Jo, who lives in the town and has an alcoholic father, is holding the first meeting of Adult Children of Alcholics and dysfunctional families in Mudeford Wood Community Centre between 6pm and 7pm on Monday November 12.

Jo - she wants to remain anonymous - sees the Christchurch branch of ACA as providing an alternative to other counselling organisations, because it concentrates specifically on people who have had to cope with living with an alcoholic parent.

The Christchurch branch of ACA is aimed at anyone who has suffered the trauma brought on by rows, lack of money and sometimes violence in the family home as a result of having an alcoholic mother or father.

"If you've grown up with a alcoholic then you're bound to have problems.

"I've known people with alcoholic fathers to end up as alcoholics themselves," she said.

One of the worst things for Jo was not being able to invite school friends around because of the embarrassment of having a father with a drink problem.

"It's taken me years to move out. Freedom. It's freedom in a big way," said Jo, 33.

The nearest branch of ACA at the moment is in London and Jo is currently travelling to meetings there to learn how to run the group.

Members will share their experiences and discuss how to overcome the problems with the aim of "re-parenting" themselves with gentleness, humour, love and respect.

Jo said there will be a 12-step confidential recovery programme.

She wants to help people living in the Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and New Forest areas.

So far interest has been shown from people as far away as Romsey.

"There is a need out there. It's just getting people to hear about it," she said. "If we can get it off the ground and get it started, it will be held weekly."

More information from Jo on 01202 478319.

First published: Oct 16