Lunch & Learn - Positive Futures Gateshead - Impact Service

Working with Children Affected by Substance Use: Understanding Hidden Harm

This engaging training explores the Hidden Harm agenda and what it means in practice for professionals supporting children, young people, and families affected by substance use.

You’ll gain insight into how parental or family substance use can impact a child’s physical health, emotional wellbeing, learning, and social development—both now and across generations. The session also looks at how patterns of substance use can be passed through families and what helps to interrupt those cycles.

Designed to be practical and confidence‑building, the training equips you with safe, appropriate language and effective strategies for having honest, sensitive conversations with children, parents, and fellow professionals. Ideal for anyone working in early help, safeguarding, education, health, or family support, this course strengthens understanding while building the skills needed to respond with empathy, clarity, and confidence.