Family support
More than 2.6m people have
seen Addicted Parents, the
two-part BBC documentary on
Phoenix Futures’ specialist family
service. James Armstrong
explains the back ground to
this powerful programme
THE
PICTURE
bigger
B
ased in Sheffield, Phoenix’s National
Specialist Family Service was the first, and
remains the only, service providing a
residential rehab programme for mums and
dads with their children. Filmed over a 12-
month period the documentary highlights the
challenges of achieving and sustaining recovery.
The first film in the two-part documentary tells the
story of four mothers who have experienced long-
term addiction. It shows how they manage the
demands of a treatment programme and focus on
developing their parenting skills under the close
supervision and guidance of a multi-disciplinary team.
The second film tells the story of one young couple
facing an uphill battle to overcome their addiction to
heroin so they can care for their two-year-old son.
The documentary follows the parents through
detox and an intensive therapeutic programme. As
they learn to live without drugs, they struggle to come
to terms with the past and the issues that led to their
addiction. They also start to get greater insight into
the impact their addiction has had on their families
and their children.
Leanne Smullen, Phoenix’s family service manager
talks about the planning that took place before
filming began. ‘This was a difficult decision to make as
our primary concern throughout has been the welfare
of the parents and children in our care,’ she said. ‘We
spent a long time ensuring that the TV production
company shared our values and were genuine in
showing the reality of what we do in a way that
respects our staff and service users. It was a process
we entered into with great care and we think that the
final programme achieves our shared aims.’
Lambent Production’s managing director Emma
Wakefield commented that ‘We have been very
privileged to tell the story of this unique rehab for
BBC2. Filming for a year we’ve followed families from
the moment they step through the doors to the
moment they leave – and into a new life beyond,
discovering the work of the amazing team dedicated
18 | drinkanddrugsnews | September 2017
to giving these parents and their
children a second chance.’
Phoenix hope the documentary will
enable the public to see beyond the
stigma and labels that limit access to
support and treatment of any kind,
whether formal or informal in the
community or residential setting.
Phoenix were keen that the story
told was one of hope for anyone
affected by addiction. Karen Biggs,
Phoenix chief executive explained why
Phoenix made the film. ‘We know that
enabling people in addiction and
recovery to tell their story helps reduce
stigma,’ she said. ‘Stigma that limits
access to treatment and limits people’s
success in recovery. The documentary
gives an honest insight into the
experiences of people who are striving
for better lives for themselves and their
families. We are immensely proud of
the very brave families that have
allowed their stories to be told. Their
honesty and openness is challenging
and emotional. We hope viewers will
watch without prejudice or judgement.
Most of all we hope the films give hope,
comfort and encouragement to people
affected by addiction.’
The two parts of the documentary had combined
viewing figures of more than 2.4m, plus almost
another 800,000 (so far) on iPlayer. This has helped give
people with limited knowledge of the sector a deep
and realistic insight into the issues and challenges that
many people experiencing addiction face.
The documentary was the subject of articles
written in The Sun, Mirror, and Evening Standard and
broadcast on BBC Radio 5 Live further raising
awareness of drug and alcohol misuse and the
challenges of rebuilding a life and a future.
‘We spent a long time
ensuring that the TV
production company shared
our values and were genuine
in showing the reality of what
we do’ Leanne SmuLLen (above)
The general response from the public was
encouraging and Phoenix received supportive
messages from viewers across the country, such as:
‘Watching #AddictedParents; I think Phoenix Futures
does fab work to help parents change their lives and
overcome drug addiction’ and ‘#AddictedParents staff
are amazing, calm and empathetic, but tough and
take no messing, kudos to all. Not sure I could do such
an emotionally challenging job.’
James Armstrong is director of marketing and
innovation at Phoenix Futures
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