Emma Hough, Business Support Officer in the Capacity Tracker team tells us why she is so passionate about her involvement with the charity Nacoa and shares her volunteering story.
“I am a volunteer for Nacoa, The National Association for Children of Alcoholics, a charity close to my heart. My involvement with Nacoa stems from personal experience, after losing my mam to alcohol-related liver disease and other associated illnesses. The support I received from Nacoa during that difficult time inspired my commitment to helping others facing similar challenges.
“In May, I completed a 22-mile walk in the Peak District in just under 11 hours, alongside 49 other amazing participants. Training since December, I went from a self-confessed couch potato to completing this significant milestone, a huge personal achievement. The day was filled with connection and conversation, sharing stories with others who have grown up with or are currently supporting alcohol-dependent parents. As a team, we’ve proudly raised over £15,000 for the charity.
“This summer, I supported Nacoa at the Durham Miners’ Gala, where I hosted a promotional stand to raise awareness and vital funds for the charity. In preparing for that event, I’ve learned so much, perhaps most importantly, “if you don’t ask, you don’t get!” I’ve been blown away by the generosity of individuals and businesses who contributed to our fundraising raffle. We had some incredible prizes, including West End tickets, theme park passes, and much more.
In total we raised over £220 (this was before and after the event). Everyone who came to speak to us had never heard of Nacoa. They are Bristol based but they work nationally. I spoke to professionals who worked in public health, NHS and education and have meetings booked in over the coming weeks with Nacoa to see how we can support their services, through resources, teacher training and school assemblies.
“The day it’s self was lovely. I’m not sure how to word this but there were a few people walking back and forth side eyeing the stall not wanting to come forward but interested in the work we did.
“There was a downside, people would snigger and point at the stall. Stigma is certainly one of the battles we encounter. One person shouted at her friend, you need to go get some of those leaflets for your kids whilst she was holding alcohol in her hand, but we also had others come and go quietly folding a leaflet into their pocket in which those were the people we were there for.
“Overall, in terms of getting the name out there, we did that, and it’s something we strive to do day in and out.
“My primary volunteering role is with Nacoa’s Schools Outreach Project, which is generously funded by the Iceland Foods Community Fund. I collect data on alcohol prevalence and deprivation levels in areas Nacoa visits, using information from the Department for Education, Public Health England, and the Office for National Statistics. As the sole volunteer based in County Durham, I’ve taken the lead in providing teacher training on how to identify and support children affected by parental alcohol use, as well as supplying schools with resources.
“Recently, I used part of my NECS volunteering entitlement day to deliver my first school assembly for Years 5 and 6, alongside teacher training. I’ve booked time in June to support another local school and will also be presenting at a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Network event, which brings together 16 schools from across the North East.
“With the North East having the highest alcohol-related death rates in England, it’s more important than ever to spread awareness of Nacoa’s vital work. I’m proud to play a part in bringing this support to the children who need it most.
“More information can be found at www.nacoa.org.uk or feel free to email me at emma.hough2@nhs.net or emma@nacoa.org.uk.”