Services for Families at Risk

Escalating demand and funding pressures will reduce family support
Family Drug Support (FDS) is urgently seeking community support to protect essential services for families
affected by alcohol and other drugs, as rising demand and a challenging funding environment place its core
programs at risk.

FDS supports thousands of families each year with its National 24-hour Support Line, support meetings, and
education programs. Its services are often the only place families can turn to during crisis — yet they remain
significantly under-resourced at a time when demand for their support continues to grow.

To ensure these vital supports remain available, FDS has launched an urgent fundraising appeal aimed at
increasing its resources to prevent any reductions in the services relied on by families at risk.

Founded in 1997 by Tony Trimingham OAM and Sandra Trimingham OAM, FDS was created so that no family
would face this journey alone. While their legacy continues to guide the organisation, the immediate priority
is addressing the funding shortfall now threatening essential family-support services across Australia.

FDS CEO, Cigdem Watson, said:
“Families are reaching out to us in greater numbers than ever before. Our team is doing everything
possible to keep the Support Line, meetings and programs accessible, but the reality is we are stretched
thin. In this challenging funding environment, community contributions are critical if we are to continue
meeting the growing demand for our services.”

FDS Board Chair, Dr John Della Bosca AM, said:
“FDS fills a critical gap in Australia’s alcohol and other drug landscape. The shrinking availability of
government funding for services like FDS will hit vulnerable families hard and while we continue to
advocate for more support for families from governments across the country, our best hope now is for the
community to rally with donations to FDS.”

Millions of Australians are affected by alcohol or other drug use each year, and families shoulder much of
the emotional and practical burden. Donations to this initiative directly support the 24/7 Support Line,
local and online support meetings, and education programs, ensuring these services remain accessible.

To donate or learn more about the fundraising initiative, visit fds.org.au

For more information and media enquiries contact:
Cigdem Watson
Email: cigdem@fds.org.au
Phone: 0490 781 927

MEDIA ONLY – INTERVIEW AVAILABILITY
Affected family members supported by Family Drug Support are available for media interviews, subject to
privacy, wellbeing considerations and scheduling.