Ask Sam letter

Hi there,

Thanks so much for letting me know about what you’re going through. What’s happening sounds very frightening for you and I can tell that you’re wondering what to do. From what you’ve explained, you’re feeling as though you’re on your own at the moment as you’re at a different school to all of your friends from primary school.  Perhaps you could think about talking to a teacher to explain to them what you’re going through and what your worries are for your mum. If you’re not sure about that, you might find it helpful to look at this website called Parents Using Drugs and a website called Talk to Frank . They both give information about help available to young people. If you decide to look at these you might then want to talk to ChildLine about what you have found out or anything you may not understand.

If you’re ever concerned about somebody using drugs and you feel as though they may be in an emergency situation, you can get help to them by dialling 999 for the emergency services. It’s possible for people using drugs to get help, sometimes this might be medical help. It can be really difficult to be worrying about someone you love. It’s important that you know that what’s happening isn’t your fault and you have the right to get support. If you’d like to talk to ChildLine about what you’re going through, please remember that the ChildLine counsellors can be there to listen whenever you’d like to talk, you can do this through our 1-2-1 chat service or you can send an email. There is also useful information about drugs in the Explore section of the ChildLine website.

You’ve done really well to write to me and your courage will mean that other young people will know that they’re not going through this alone. Thank you.

Take care,

Sam