Families dealing with alcohol or drug addiction now have a lifeline and helping hand thanks to the dedication and commitment of Sue Philipson.

Sue has for many years worked as a Family and Whanau Advisor helping families who have contacted their local hospital drug and alcohol service. She has been a driving force behind Families Overcoming Addiction and has been a vital link with clinicians at the Taranaki District Health Board.

The Families Overcoming Addiction support group was set up in 2017 and last year was contacted by nearly 700 people.

Her work with the group has been hailed as a life-saving by parents.

Sue often spends hours listening to distressed parents and puts others and their families before herself and her own family and she has had an incredible impact, changing lives for the good.

Winter Wellness Retreat

Two nights accomodation, petrol vouchers for the journey and pamper-hamper filled with treats saw one lucky family enjoy a relaxing winter weekend at beautiful Tongaporutu in June.

The lucky draw was the first of its kind for Families Overcoming Addiction and we look forward to gifting another opportunity for a peaceful getaway in keeping with our strong emphasis on self-care.

The weekend prize was supported by one of our fabulous group members and generous donations from the community.