Nacoa Schools Outreach Programme
Helping children affected by a parent’s drinking or similar addictive issue
Every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and understood. Yet in the UK, 1 in 5 children are affected by a parent’s drinking. Many suffer in silence, feeling isolated and unsure where to turn.
The Nacoa Schools Outreach Programme was created to break that silence. Through compassionate, evidence-based education, we work with schools and colleges across the UK to help young people and the professionals who support them understand the impact of alcohol problems in families.
What we do
- Student presentations – age-appropriate talks for Key Stages 2–5 and higher education, designed to reduce stigma and let children know they are not alone.
- Teacher and staff training – practical guidance on how to recognise signs, respond with sensitivity, and safeguard pupils’ wellbeing.
- Free resources – including our Information for Teachers booklet, bilingual posters and leaflets, lesson plans, and films to support classroom learning.
- Volunteer speakers – over 300 trained Nacoa volunteers share their knowledge and lived experience, helping to bring the subject to life.
Why it matters
Parental drinking can deeply affect a child’s confidence, mental health, and ability to learn. Schools are a vital place for early intervention. By raising awareness and equipping professionals with the right tools, the Nacoa Schools Outreach Programme helps children realise:
- It’s not their fault.
- They are not alone.
- Help and support are available.
Our impact so far
Since launching in 2024, the programme has:
- Reached tens of thousands of students through in-school presentations.
- Trained hundreds of teachers and safeguarding professionals.
- Expanded to include resources in British Sign Language, Braille, and Welsh, with more in development.
- Inspired new generations of volunteers and community champions.
Looking ahead
With the support of partners and funders, we are expanding the programme across the UK – from primary schools to universities. Our goal is simple: to ensure no child affected by a parent’s drinking feels forgotten and alone.
Get involved
Partner with the Nacoa Schools Outreach Programme
Nacoa’s schools outreach work is entirely community funded through corporate sponsors, donors and our membership.
It costs £500 per school to provide a package including:
- Assembly visits for all students
- Teacher training
- Lesson plan delivery for perpetual future use
- Peer review sessions for teachers across different schools
- Ongoing helpline support for young people and staff
Nominate a school
Working alongside trusted community members like yourself, we will seek to approach as many schools and educational environments possible to offer our support services. If you have links to a local school, you can make a nomination for a school visit, training and ongoing support.
Please get in touch with us to enquire about a nomination you wish to make.
Become a School Speaker Volunteer
Do you have a passion for supporting young people and breaking the silence around parental drinking? Join Nacoa as a Schools Speaker Volunteer and help us deliver life-changing talks in classrooms across the UK.
With full training and ongoing support, you’ll share knowledge and hope with students and teachers. Find out more about volunteering roles here.
