Why a Group for Women?

Women today are still reluctant to admit they are misusing alcohol because of the stigma attached to women and alcohol abuse. The role of the woman as wife and mother is pivotal to the family unit. When she becomes unstable through alcohol misuse it has a devastating knock-on effect to the marriage and security of the children.

Women often have the added issues of guilt and shame – the ‘bad wife and mother’ syndrome. For most women this added condemnation on top of battling the addiction itself only serves to add to her feelings of worthlessness and failure. Women need to feel safe sharing their feelings, and having other women to listen who have been in the same situation helps.

Many women drink to suppress emotions or other problems. SWAP aims to encourage ladies to face their problems and seek appropriate help. In this way, women trapped by alcohol can find support to SWAP their lifestyle for the better, not only for themselves but for others around them who also suffer through a loved one’s addiction.

SWAP is a local community project at St Francis' Church, Bramley and the support of the following agencies is greatly appreciated: Coalfield Regeneration Trust, Church Urban Fund, St Agatha's Trust, NHS Rotherham and The Church and Community Fund