FUSHIA was born through the personal experience of caring for a chronic heroin addict and provides a unique personalised service to the carers and family members affected by a loved one’s substance misuse.
Karyn Jackson, general manager and founder of FUSHIA, has personal experience of the effect substance abuse can have on a family. The project provides art and craft sessions exclusively for elderly parents who are caring for grown up children, some of whom will have returned to the family home after a relationship breakdown brought about through their addiction.
FUSHIA General Manager, Karyn said: “In our experience the elderly are exceptionally vulnerable because they find it difficult to grasp the dynamics of addiction, feel shame and/or are overprotective and therefore more easily bullied and manipulated. We have evidence of elderly carers going hungry and others spending savings to pay a loved ones’ debts, resulting in depression, anxiety, isolation and poor health. FUSHIA’s aim is to prevent this.”
On receiving the £500 Community Support Scheme funding, Karyn said: “We’re beyond happy and thankful to receive this award contribution, it will give our carers much-needed respite from the daily struggles they face. It will go a long way in providing the resources for our craft classes which our carers love so much.”
CCO of Verastar, Nicola Smith said:
“We’re really pleased to be able to show our support for local initiatives and are proud that the money we’ve donated will help towards job seeking and employment opportunities.”