Wear Recovery - Sunderland

woman smiling sitting on a chair talking to two people

Are you a relative, carer or loved one affected by someone’s drug and/or alcohol use?  

We're here to help.

Caring Changes is a support service within Wear Recovery for adults affected by a loved one’s substance misuse.  

We offer information, support, advice, and opportunities for you. There are friendly and safe places across Sunderland for you to meet with people who have experienced similar situations.  

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What we do

Our aim is to help family and friends maintain a balance between their caring responsibilities and a life outside their role, improve their own health and wellbeing so that they can stay well, and continue to support their loved ones.

Our service can offer:

  • 1:1 practical and emotional support
  • Group work
  • Wellbeing activities
  • Weekly arts and crafts workshop
  • Peer support
  • Training

Hear from the people we have supported

“The Caring Changes team have been an immense support to me. This was the first time I felt I was able to open up fully to someone who understands the life I’m living. I’m so grateful to have this support and would recommend anyone who is trying to muddle through to make the call and seek support.”

“So thankful for the much-needed support I receive from Caring Changes, it's a lifesaver for me. Help and advice is a phone call away. Knowing you are not alone, others are in same situation, who can offer advice, support and friendship, group activities which offer much needed Me Time.”

“I have been taught that I have a life and should live it. Everyone is very understanding, and they help to make the right decision.”

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Meet our team

Caring Changes has been operating for the last six years through several different contracts, continuing to support families throughout Sunderland.

Our team consists of three Family & Carers Practitioners, Caroline, Courtney and Linsey.

Even though we are all individuals from different backgrounds, we all share our passion for this role.

Caroline has years of experience from a background supporting people with substance use, housing, and their mental health.

Courtney is the newest member of the team, bringing a wealth of knowledge from her years of experience working within prison establishments and teaching roles.

Linsey has a wealth of experience working with individuals with various support needs to make sure their voices are heard.

Contact details

Freephone - 0800 234 6798

Email: [email protected]

Getting support from Caring Changes

To get support from Caring Changes, you can refer yourself or be referred by someone else. 

To refer yourself call Wear Recovery on 0800 234 6798 during our opening hours.  

We also accept referrals from our website. If you would like to refer yourself or another person to the service, please complete our online referral form. 

We will ask you for some information to see whether our service is the most appropriate to you. We will then contact you to offer you an assessment appointment. 

Professional referrals: Referrals are welcome from any professional. Ring our service 0800 234 6798 anytime during opening hours to discuss further. 

Onward referrals: We can refer families and their individual members to a wide range of appropriate and relevant services.