MIDDLEWICH’s MP hosted a meeting with parliamentarians to address the problems caused by excessive alcohol drinkers.

Fiona Bruce welcomed representatives from specialist services who said that not enough support is given to family members affected by alcoholism.

Statistics show that 42% of phone calls to the National Association for the Children of Alcoholics helpline mentioned abuse as a problem.

Fiona said: "Alcohol can have a hugely damaging effect on the health and well-being of families, impacting on relationships, family finances and preventing children from enjoying a safe and secure environment in which to grow up.

“It can also cause families to become isolated from each and their local community due to stigma.

“There is strong evidence of the scale of the problem. 220,000 children in England live with an adult who is alcohol dependent.

“Lack of parental supervision and symptoms of dependence may lead to neglect.

“The families of someone misusing alcohol are less likely to access support for themselves than families of someone misusing drugs.

“The purpose of this meeting was to explore how local communities can address this problem, including through encouraging peer support from someone who has been through such an experience as a family member themselves."