Aquarius Young People’s Team – Bedfordshire
Aquarius Young People’s TeamBedfordshire
No judgement. Just support for young people and families in Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire that meets you where you are.
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Here To Help
If you’re worried about drugs or alcohol, your own use, or someone else’s, we’re here to help. Aquarius works across Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire, offering free, confidential support for families and young people aged 5 to 18.
We understand substance use affects everyone differently. You might be feeling confused, stuck, overwhelmed or angry. You might just want to ask some questions. That’s OK. Whatever your situation, we’ll listen and work with you to figure out what’s right for you.
Aquarius helped my family
"Aquarius helped my family understand what I was going through mentally and physically. If you need help, you should always consider it as an option, as it really helps you to understand what you are actually doing to yourself and also helps your family understand."
Anonymous, Service User
They saved my life
"They saved my life, I wouldn’t be 2 years clean if it wasn’t for them, I’ve never really had a family but Aqaurius have all become my family."
Kai, Service User
Helped me see the correct path
"Aquarius has helped me see the correct path to the end goal of quitting. I would recommend the services as the system is far from conservative, the advice is tailored exactly to how you'd personally quit. They build onwards from this."
Preston, Service User
Very good clear presentation.
"There was a good variety of attendees from different backgrounds. The information on dependency & how brain is affected in teenage years was especially good. Very good clear presentation."
Anonymous, Service User
Knowledge shined through
"The trainers knowledge shined through and they effortlessly answered questions, speaking from their professional experience, discussing historic precedents but also new research."
Anonymous, Service User
Information For Young People Impacted By A Family Members Substance Use
When a family member has a problem with substances, you can often feel isolated and alone. You might worry about telling someone because you don’t want your family member to be judged. You might feel ashamed or feel like talking about their substance use is wrong. You might worry about their health and how they behave when they’ve used. You might find it hard to talk to them because you don’t want to hurt them. You might no longer live or have a relationship with them but have so many questions about why they use. You might even be angry at them for not changing their use despite the impact it has on you and your family.
You Are Not Alone.
We will provide a safe space for you to talk about your feelings, so you feel less worried, angry, or upset. Often, when a family member has an addiction, it can become the focus of your life. You might forget about yourself, your own mental and physical wellbeing – or developing your own coping strategies.
It is important to talk about your family member’s addiction and how this has affected different parts of your life – your education, hobbies and interests, mental and physical health, family life, friendships, goals and aspirations, and your feelings of safety.
Our support with enable you to understand addiction; express your thoughts and feelings around addiction and discuss your worries and concerns about your family member.~
We will use the 7c’s of addiction – “I didn’t Cause it. I can’t Cure it. I can’t Control it. I can Care for myself by Communicating my feelings, making healthy Choices and by Celebrating myself” to support you in feeling more hopeful about the future.
“Getting it off my chest it feels so good”
In 2024/2025, we saw over 96% of clients in Bedford after a referral was made. Of those, 92% successfully completed their treatment.
We support young people who:
Are using drugs or alcohol and want to reduce harm or make a change
Are affected by a parent, sibling or other family member’s substance use
Feel like they need a safe space to talk things through
Take the next step
If you’re ready to reduce or stop, we can help with that. If you’re not there yet, we’ll work with you to understand risks, build coping strategies and explore healthier ways of managing things.
You don’t need to have everything figured out. You don’t need to be at crisis point. And you definitely don’t need to go through this alone.
Get In Touch
Just reach out.
Text or WhatsApp “Request callback” to 07467 336203
Email: ypbedfordshire@aquarius.org.uk
Or call us on 0330 008 3925
Download our referral form: Bedford Referral Form