Not everyone trapped by alcohol is an alcoholic

There is help for families affected by problem drinking.

In extreme cases, an alcoholic may be homeless, but many live in families that are struggling because of the challenges that come with problem drinking.

Family members become lonely, isolated, ashamed and depressed. They feel that life has become unmanageable or unbearable. Al-Anon-Alateen Family Groups is a support programme for people who are living with or have lived with the problems of someone else's drinking.

Al-Anon and Alateen for young people offer understanding and personal growth - whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not. There are free of charge meetings daily around Auckland. To find one visit online here.

Members share their experiences of applying the Al-Anon principles to their lives. There is no advice given or specific direction suggested.

Below are a few thoughts from people who have tried Al-Anon:

"I believed that the only thing I needed to be happy and safe was for my husband to stop drinking."

"My life had got so out of control not knowing what my state my daughter would be in when I got home."

"I thought I was strong enough to deal with this on my own...After trying everything, I went to my first meeting." Learn more

More messages from your neighbours

6 days ago

Neighbourhood Challenge: Who Can Crack This One? ⛓️‍💥❔

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What has a head but no brain?

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1 hour ago

Urgent Community Support Needed for Representing New Zealand on the World Stage!

David from Remuera

Tēnā koe (Hi) Neighbours,

I trust this request finds you well.

I am writing to seek your support for my sponsorship request.

I am an Old Boy of Auckland Grammar School, alongside the fact that I am an alpine skier who began with Special Olympics New Zealand and now represent New Zealand under Virtus International, the global governing body for elite athletes with an intellectual impairment.

Paralympics New Zealand is the affiliated national member organisation for Virtus, responsible for elite athlete pathways and development. I have been officially endorsed and classified to compete for New Zealand at the upcoming Virtus Open Alpine Ski Championships from late January to February, where I am currently the only athlete in my classification.

First and foremost, I am a Double Gold Medallist from the 2007 and 2011 Special Olympics National Winter Games, and I represented New Zealand at the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games in PyeongChang, winning Bronze in Slalom and placing 6th in Super Giant Slalom and 7th in Giant Slalom. Alongside this, I have contributed as a volunteer to major international sporting events, including the 2010 Inaugural Youth Olympic Games and the 2015 Southeast Asian Games, and served on the 60th Committee for The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Aotearoa New Zealand.

As I prepare to represent New Zealand on the international stage as a Virtus para-athlete, every moment of training and every bit of support, including financial contributions, counts towards this journey of dedication and excellence.

Notably, I am at present dedicating myself to my training, while maintaining the focus and determination required as I prepare to compete at my best in the upcoming Virtus Open Alpine Ski Championships in Tarvisio, Italy, and Kitzbühel, Austria.

Skiing is a sport that demands discipline, resilience, and precision, and each race requires strength and the confidence that comes from knowing I have a community standing behind me. My journey is far from over, and I now need your support more than ever as I work to secure my position at the Paralympic Winter Games in 2030, once the selection regulations are finalised, as they are currently being confirmed following the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Virtus International.

Most importantly, I remain fully committed to intensive training and performance development, intending to win a medal at the Virtus Open Alpine Ski Championships and progress towards sponsorship opportunities with High Performance Sport New Zealand.

Thus, with the relevant regulations uncertain in order to compete at the international level, rigorous preparation is essential to cover all contingencies, whilst ensuring I am fully ready should a regulation be implemented. That said, the FIS and Virtus memorandum highlights the vital importance of inclusion in winter sports:
www.fis-ski.com....

In light of the above, given limited sponsorship, financial support is crucial. Any donation, no matter the amount, makes a significant difference, and introductions to potential funders are warmly welcomed. Donations can be made via my Givealittle Fundraising and/or Pledge Me pages. Here are the links for more info: givealittle.co.nz... and www.pledgeme.co.nz....

Every contribution makes a meaningful difference. Additionally, it would be greatly appreciated if you could simply share my page, as your support helps me stay on the slopes, refine my skills, and pursue excellence on the international stage. If you know of any sponsors who may be able to provide support, I would be grateful if you could connect me with them at davidee@outlook.co.nz.

Attached is a letter of support for your kind consideration for any future sponsors or funders.

Lastly, your support enables me to continue training, competing, and representing New Zealand at the highest level.

Thank - you.