Since the early 90s, alcohol misuse and other behavioural problems have been increasing among young people. The Strengthening Families Programme 10- 14 ( UK) aims to strengthen prevention efforts to reduce these trends. Having adapted a highly successful US evidence- based* programme for the UK, we have trained hundreds of practitioners in more than 24 local authorities in England as well as in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. The Strengthening Families Programme is for all families with young people aged between 10 and 14 years of age to help prepare them for their teenage years. This 7 week evidence- based programme is aimed at reducing alcohol and drug use, behavioural Welcome to the Strengthening Families Programme 10- 14 ( UK) problems in adolescence and strengthening the parent/ carer child relationship. Through discussions, fun games and activities, families solve problems together, learn about rules and consequences and explore ways to show love and support, strengthening family communication. Families can lack support when they need it most. We are reaching out to these families through our programme and are helping them to strengthen their family bonds. Our programme is unique in the way it works with both parents and children, bringing them together. * The original US SFP 10- 14 was developed at the Iowa State University.

About our programme The SFP 10- 14 ( UK) is a 7 week evidence- based programme developed by Oxford Brookes University and the My Strong Family Centre to help families with young people aged between 10 and 14 to prepare for teenage years. It is mainly for families at universal and targeted levels, with a focus on preventing substance misuse. Our objective The long term aim of the SFP 10- 14 ( UK) is reduced alcohol and drug use and behavioural problems during adolescence. This is achieved through improved skills in nurturing and child management by parents, and improved interpersonal and personal competencies amongst young people. International recognition The SFP 10- 14 has been highlighted in an International Cochrane Collaboration systematic evidence review funded by the World Health Organization ( WHO) and the UK Alcohol Education and Research Council ( AERC). This evidence review was presented at the EU/ WHO Ministerial Conference held in Stockholm in 2001 which led to the Stockholm Declaration on " Young People and Alcohol". The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence ( NICE) has also highlighted the potential of the SFP 10- 14 ( UK) in their reports on alcohol misuse prevention and cancer prevention. The programme is also recognised by the UK Home Office, Department for Children, Families and Schools ( DCFS) and National Academy for Parenting Practitioners.