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Some meetings stay with you long after they’ve ended, and my recent visit to Escape Family Support was one of those moments. I had the absolute privilege of meeting Janet Murphy, the incredible woman who founded this life-changing charity, alongside Angie and Fiona, two passionate members of the team. Based at the Susan Kennedy Centre in Ashington, Escape Family Support has been a pillar of strength for families and individuals affected by drug and alcohol misuse for over 30 years.
A Legacy Born from Tragedy
Escape Family Support was created out of unimaginable loss. After losing her daughter to drugs, Janet was faced with a reality no parent should ever have to endure. But instead of allowing grief to consume her, she turned it into a force for good—building a network of support for other families walking the same painful path. What began as a response to personal tragedy has now grown into a lifeline for so many, ensuring that no one has to go through the heartbreak of addiction alone.
Hearing Janet, Angie, and Fiona speak about their work was both humbling and inspiring. The emotional weight of their mission is immense, but so is their impact. Every day, they provide practical support, emotional guidance, and a safe space for those affected by substance misuse. They help people rebuild their lives and, just as importantly, remind families that they don’t have to suffer in silence.
Finding Common Ground: Worley’s World CIC & Early Intervention
As we talked, I was able to share my own journey—the story behind Worley’s World CIC and my passion for early intervention in mental health. I spoke about how Worley and his emotion monsters help families develop emotional resilience before they reach a crisis point, giving children the tools to navigate big feelings in a healthy way.
What struck me most during our conversation was the shared mission between Escape and Worley’s World—supporting families, breaking cycles, and ensuring that no one feels alone in their struggles. Addiction and mental health struggles don’t happen in isolation; they affect entire families, and early emotional support can make all the difference.
We even discussed how the families they work with might benefit from what I offer, highlighting the importance of working together as community organisations. This is what real change looks like—not just isolated efforts, but collaboration, understanding, and shared experiences coming together for the greater good.
Breaking Stigma & Building Hope
One of the most powerful takeaways from our meeting was the reminder that we need to break the stigma around reaching out for support. Too often, people feel ashamed, afraid, or undeserving of help. But the truth is, we all have struggles, and there is strength in asking for support.
When community organisations join forces, we thrive—not just through sharing resources or expertise, but through a deep, human connection that reminds us why we do what we do.
I walked away from that meeting feeling heard, appreciated, and hopeful—hopeful that Worley’s World CIC can grow into something just as meaningful as Escape, hopeful that together we can create spaces where families feel safe, supported, and empowered.
To Janet, Angie, and Fiona—thank you for the work you do, for the families you support, and for reminding me that out of pain can come something truly beautiful.
If you or someone you know is struggling with the impact of addiction, please don’t suffer in silence. Escape Family Support is there for you. And if you want to take steps to support your child’s emotional development early on, Worley’s World CIC is here too.
Together, we can build stronger, more understanding communities—one family at a time.
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