M-PACT helps children aged between 10-16 whose parents have drug and/or alcohol problems. Children, young people and parents from different families are invited to meet together, where a team of four people will help them find ways to get on with each other, so that life improves and becomes safer for everyone. Children of substance misusers often believe they are all alone. They may feel threatened by their home environment, and professionals that they come into contact with as a matter of course, such as teachers, often have a limited understanding of problem drink and drug use, and its effects. M-PACT supports both parent and child to come to an understanding of the effects of parental substance misuse and helps them to discover how to cope with the consequences and reduce the risks of harm. Participants are supported to improve communication between each other and with other family members. A positive approach is taken as help is given to build on family strengths rather than focussing on the negative. They work to the shared aim of reducing harmful patterns of behaviour and making the home environment safer. At its simplest, this project indicates to these overlooked children that they have not been forgotten and that someone recognises their predicament and empathises with them. Living with a parent with alcohol or drug problems can be very difficult. The project helps children within the context of the parental relationship, and offers the opportunity of a change that is unlikely to be made without external help. M-PACT works with groups of families to help them to improve the lives of their children and keep them safe. Each programme consists of 8 consecutive weekly meetings lasting two hours, during which children and parents meet both separately and together.