CHILDREN’S charity the NSPCC made more than 400 referrals about parental substance misuse to agencies in Wales last year after being contacted by concerned adults.

The charity makes a referral when concerns reported to the helpline are considered to be serious enough to warrant further investigation or if it is felt a family needs support.

NSPCC has joined the National Association for the Children of Alcoholics (Nacoa) to mark Children of Alcoholics Week and send a message to children who are experiencing parental substance misuse to know that they are not alone.

One in five children in Britain are affected by their parent’s drinking, according to Nacoa.

Parents who regularly take drugs, drink or both in large quantities over a long period, can have chaotic, unpredictable lifestyles and may struggle to recognise and meet their children’s needs, increasing the risk of harm.

A 13-year-old boy who contacted Childline said: “Mum changes completely when she drinks: she shouts at everyone and can get violent.

“When this happens, I have to look after my younger siblings and protect them.

“It’s hard to live in an unstable home like this; I never know if she’ll be in a good mood or not.”