Parents' drinking takes toll on children

More needed to be known about the scale of the problem, its costs to society and how best to tackle the issue, they said.

The charities' statement follows research published in the Journal of Public Health last year which found 2.6 million children in the UK were living with parents who are drinking hazardously.

Alcohol plays a part in between one quarter and a third (25-33 per cent) of known cases of child abuse, according to a Cabinet Office report in 2004.

Don Shenker, chief executive of Alcohol Concern, said: "It's shocking that in spite of the worrying numbers of children affected by parents' heavy drinking and domestic abuse, so little is being done to address this.

"The whole system sweeps the problem under the carpet and together with the secrecy and stigma involved, millions of children are left to do their best in incredibly difficult circumstances.

"A Government inquiry must look into all aspects of parental alcohol misuse so that we can improve outcomes for these children."

Bob Reitemeier, chief executive of The Children's Society, added: "I cannot stress strongly enough the harmful impact that substance abuse can have on both children and whole families; it is imperative that everyone understands these risks and we believe that education is the key."

The charities also called for mandatory social work training as recent research found that one third of social workers received no training on alcohol or drugs and half received just three hours of training or less.

Dr Sarah Galvani, of the British Association of Social Workers, said: "Problematic alcohol use by parents is highlighted by social workers as far more prevalent than drug use.

This week's report, Swept Under the Carpet, included a poll of 1,000 adults in July which found 87 per cent of those surveyed thought heavy drinking by parents had a negative impact on children and families, while 84 per cent thought parents misusing alcohol was as harmful to children as parents who used drugs.

Chris Sorek, chief executive of Drinkaware, said: "This report reminds parents that you don't have to be an alcoholic for your drinking to have a direct impact on your children.

John Lawlor, chief executive for NHS Leeds, says: "It is important that we continue to promote responsible drinking so that we can ensure that children and young people understand the importance of knowing their limits when they reach the legal age for drinking.

As well as looking to raise awareness of health and social issues, the health trust has also developed an internal campaign to promote the message among its staff.

Lisa Turner, health improvement specialist – alcohol for NHS Leeds, adds: "We will be holding events in our offices to raise awareness among staff on support services available and highlight effective ways to reduce drinking levels.

"Studies show that the heaviest drinkers are most likely to have brought their drinks from an off-licence – many of them to drink at home. Excessive drinking at home can lead to a number of issues."

Alcohol Awareness Week is held annually. This year's campaign is taking place this week until Friday. Find out more by visiting: www. alcoholconcern.org.uk.

This week the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield will present Street Spirit, a drama highlighting the issues of street drinkers.

Sheffield Agencies for the Vulnerable and Excluded (SAVE), in partnership with NHS Sheffield, have organised the drama, which will be presented to local councillors and charity groups.

As part of National Alcohol Awareness Week, the issues raised by the Dead Earnest Theatre Company, will encourage discussion, involvement

and participation.