News

Children living with parental addiction need more support, says NSPCC

Published

5 months ago

February 16, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Helpline receives 9,000 contacts in a year as campaign highlights hidden impact on young

CHILDREN and young people rely on the adults around them to grow up in a safe, stable and loving environment.

But what happens when a parent or carer’s dependency affects the care they are able to provide?

Last year, the NSPCC Helpline received more than 9,000 contacts from people worried about a parent or carer misusing alcohol or drugs — an average of 25 contacts every day between April 2024 and March 2025.

Some callers reported hearing arguments and furniture being thrown. Others described seeing parents inebriated or unconscious, or children who appeared dirty, neglected or hungry.

Last week (Feb 8–14) marked Children of Alcoholics Week, organised by the National Association for Children of Alcoholics (Nacoa). The annual campaign aims to reassure children affected by a parent or carer’s substance use that help is available and that they do not need to suffer in silence.

The NSPCC once again supported the campaign. Alongside helpline contacts from concerned adults, Childline delivered more than 300 counselling sessions last year to children worried about a parent’s substance use.

One 15-year-old girl told counsellors: “I am struggling at home with my mum’s addiction. I hate it when she doesn’t take care of her health, so we end up arguing almost every day because it’s then up to me to take care of my two younger brothers.

“I feel I don’t have time for anything, and I’ve been sleeping very poorly. I am so glad Childline is here to listen to my problems. My mum used to care, but she’s changed. I just need to know how to cope with so many responsibilities.”

Another young person said: “My mum used to drink every day as far back as I can remember. Her drinking meant that I had to be the mum to my siblings and I didn’t really have a life. I was responsible for making sure my siblings all got fed, were dressed and bathed and in school. I cooked and cleaned around the house too.

“I didn’t feel like I was a child — I felt like I was growing up too quickly. I didn’t speak to anyone about what was going on at home because I didn’t realise it was wrong. That was just my life, and I thought it was normal.”

Most parents and carers who drink alcohol do so in moderation, without increasing the risk of harm to their children. However, when alcohol is consumed in large quantities over a prolonged period, it can lead to abuse and neglect with serious consequences for a child’s future.

Parental substance misuse can affect children at every stage of development. During pregnancy, alcohol exposure can increase the risk of birth defects, premature birth, low birth weight and withdrawal symptoms.

As children grow older, they may face behavioural or emotional difficulties, poor school attendance or attainment, physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or exposure to criminal activity.

Parents and carers who regularly misuse alcohol may struggle to recognise or respond to their children’s needs, increasing the risk of harm. While this does not necessarily mean a child will experience abuse or neglect, it can have a significant impact on their emotional wellbeing.

The NSPCC wants children to know they are not alone and that support is available. Childline is there to listen to any child, while the NSPCC Helpline provides advice and support for adults who are concerned about a child’s welfare.

Nacoa UK’s helpline is also available for children, adults and professionals concerned about a parent’s drinking on 0800 358 3456 or via [email protected]
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Crime

Man in critical condition after serious assault in New Quay

Published

7 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 20-YEAR-OLD man remains in a critical condition in hospital after being seriously assaulted in New Quay.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident happened at around 12:51am on Saturday (July 4) in Margaret Street, leading to Uplands Square.

The victim suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and remains in police custody.

Police said enquiries are progressing, led by CID and the Major Crime Team. A visible police presence is expected to remain in the area over the coming days.

Officers are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Quote reference: DP-20260704-028.

Community

Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities

Published

9 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Around 70 tractors joined the annual charity road run, hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel

THE ANNUAL Kilgetty and Begelly Charity Tractor Run brought a colourful convoy to the roads around the Narberth area on Saturday (Jul 4), with around 70 tractors taking part.

The event was hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel, where farmers, families and supporters gathered before the start of the run.

Entrants were treated to bacon rolls and coffee by the hosts before setting off, while many families took the opportunity to pose for photographs alongside the tractors.

The road run once again proved to be a popular community event, bringing together local farmers, vintage tractor enthusiasts and supporters for a good cause.

The sight of dozens of tractors heading out together made an impressive display as the convoy travelled through the local area.

Organisers said local charities are set to benefit from money raised at the event.

The annual run has become a well-supported fixture in the local calendar, with farming families turning out in force to take part and support the fundraising effort.

For further information, contact Peter Adams at the Begelly Arms on 01834 812601.

Pictures: Malcolm Richards

Community

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival brings village together for colourful celebration

Published

9 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PONTRHYDFENDIGAID Carnival returned in style on Saturday, with a strong community turnout as villagers, families, children and young people gathered on the Village Green before the procession moved on to Bont Pavilion.

The afternoon was full of colour, music and community spirit, with bunting, balloons, decorated floats and smiling faces helping to create a true village celebration.

Among the highlights were the children’s and young people’s entries, which showed real creativity, confidence and effort. Farmyard scenes, animal costumes, a Noah’s Ark-themed float and brightly decorated tableaux all helped bring the carnival to life.

Organisers praised the work that had gone into the displays, competitions and activities, with many families clearly spending hours preparing costumes, props and entries.

The carnival programme featured a wide range of competitions, including floats and tableaux, children’s age-group entries, adverts, pairs, “anything on wheels” and the ever-popular welly throwing competition.

The mix of Welsh and English throughout the event reflected the strong local identity of Pontrhydfendigaid and the importance of keeping village traditions alive for the next generation.

Thanks were also paid to the organisers, volunteers, presidents, compères, families and all those who gave their time behind the scenes. Events of this kind take a great deal of work, and the turnout showed how much the carnival continues to mean to the community.

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival 2026 proved to be a joyful reminder of what can be achieved when a village comes together.

Photographs and report by Jeremy Rundle