Help shape research on children affected by a parent’s drinking with Dr Sophie Wood
We know how important it is that the voices of children affected by their parent’s drinking are heard. That’s why we are working with Dr Sophie Wood at Cardiff University, who is leading a new study to better understand the needs of children impacted by parental alcohol use—particularly within social care settings.
As part of this project, Sophie is bringing together two advisory groups: one made up of people with lived experience and another of professionals who work with children and families. These groups will help shape the research by highlighting key issues, sharing insights, and guiding how the findings are used to influence change.
This is a valuable opportunity to ensure that research truly reflects real experiences and leads to better support for children now and in the future. Nacoa would support your journey through volunteering support and helpline counselling if required.
Please read below to hear more from researcher Dr Sophie Wood.
Lived Experience Advisory Group
Text by Dr Sophie Wood
We are looking for people with lived experience of parental alcohol use that has negatively affected children and families to join an online advisory group for a Cardiff University study. The study aims to understand how parental alcohol use affects children’s social care outcomes, highlight areas of unmet need, and identify factors that reduce harm or build resilience.
Meetings will last about an hour and will take place 3–4 times online over the two-year study, with the first meeting scheduled for December. Members will help guide the study by highlighting what issues matter most, discussing how findings should be interpreted, and advising on the best ways to share results. Participants will be compensated £25 per hour for their time.
No prior involvement in research or advisory groups is needed—just a willingness to share your perspective. We are keen to hear from a range of people, including those who experienced parental alcohol use as a child, those who are parents themselves, and those with or without social care involvement.
The study is led by Dr Sophie Wood at Cardiff University, who also has lived experience of parental alcohol use and is passionate about making change in this area.
If you are interested, please email Sophie at WoodS16@cardiff.ac.uk. In your message, please confirm:
- Your gender
- Whether social services were involved in your experience (Yes / No / Not sure)
- Whether you are an adult child of a parent with an alcohol use problem, a parent yourself, or both
This information will be used only to help ensure a diverse range of perspectives are represented. Please note that you must be aged 18 or over to take part.
Professional Advisory Group
We are also looking for professionals who work with children and families affected by parental alcohol use to join an online advisory group for this Cardiff University study.
Meetings will last about an hour and will take place 3–4 times online over the two-year study, with the first meeting scheduled for December. Members will help guide the study by advising on priorities for practice, discussing how findings should be interpreted in context, and suggesting the most effective ways to share results.
We are seeking a range of professionals, including but not limited to social workers, teachers, healthcare staff, and policy makers.
If you are interested, please email WoodS16@cardiff.ac.uk. In your message, please confirm:
- Your professional role
- The sector or organisation you work in
- A very brief description of relevant experience working with children or families affected by parental alcohol use
This information will be used only to help ensure a diverse and balanced mix of professional perspectives.
