HAGA - Children & Family

Cosmic is HAGA's children and family service, and operates in a specially-built suite adjoining the main HAGA building. The staff work with under-18s, offering advice, support and a listening ear - whether it's a parent, carer or the child themselves who is misusing alcohol or drugs.

We offer play and/or counselling sessions that allow them time and space to explore their feelings through painting, clay, drama, craft and other activities. We provide a safe and welcoming environment, encouraging children and adults to take part in a variety of activities - and to have fun!

For adults

COSMIC were involved in organising Speakeasy: A One-Day Youth Forum on Alcohol and Drugs, an event for 15 year olds in the borough to speak out and learn more about alcohol and drugs. For more information on click here or email speakeasy@haga.co.uk.

Meet The Team & Find Out More About What We Do

Kamini Patel

COSMIC Manager

Liz Horton

Young People's Alcohol Worker

Dolapo Shola Animashaun

Young People's Alcohol Worker Liz works with 11 to 16 year olds with/at risk of developing alcohol problems. This includes:

Liz also reaches all ages by providing alcohol education in schools/groups, community centres and other local sites.

For Liz's advice on information on alcohol, how to stay safe when drinking, and what to do in an emergency, click here.

Under 12’s Substance Misuse Worker Dolapo works with all children aged 12 and under (and their parents) around any issues to do with drugs and alcohol. This includes:

• advice and support to under 12's who are (or are considering) drinking alcohol and/or taking drugs.

• working with children who have family members or friends with alcohol and drug problems

• answering any questions that young people have about the effects of alcohol and drugs on the body and what to do in situations involving drugs and alcohol

Dolapo also provides alcohol and drug education sessions to under 12’s in primary schools.

Children's Worker Davina works with children aged 0-18 and their families around issues to do with alcohol and drugs. Davina offers:

advice, information and support to children and families who are affected by their parent/carer/family member's alcohol/drug issue. She can offer support on specific issues such as parenting, children's behaviour, and contact and communication problems.
parenting skills workshops which aim to improve the parent/carer's confidence in their ability to parent.
after school activities, groups, fun, play and respite, opportunities to make friends and try new things.

Links and Helplines You may find these sites or services useful, however, HAGA cannot be held responsible for any information found on or through them.

The Site provides information and advice for young adults aged 16-25.

D-World provides information, games, activities, stories, fact files, videos and advice for 11-14 year olds about drugs.

Al-ateen offers help to young people aged 12-17 who are affected by someone else's drinking.

COAP (Children of Addicted Parents and People) run a website with online forums and online counselling for young people affected by someone else's addiction.

Why Let Drink Decide? includes tips and advice on drinking and staying safe for teenagers.

FRANK offer free, confidential advice and help on alcohol and drugs via their website email, text and telephone helpline. Call 0800 77 66 00. Text 82111.

Connexions can help young people with information and advice on various issues including health and relationships with family and friends.

ChildLine is a free telephone and online counselling service for children and young people. Call 0800 1111 or visit the site to email an online counsellor.

The Hideout provides help, information and support for children and young people on domestic violence – whether they are living with violence, have experienced violence in the past or know someone experiencing it and need help and information.


Kamini Patel COSMIC Manager	Liz Horton Young People's Alcohol Worker	Dolapo Shola Animashaun Under 12's Worker	Davina Campbell Children's Worker