top of page

For Family Caregivers

This space is for family members supporting young people aged 5-28 who have been impacted by the stress and stigma of a parent’s substance use to access resources, supports, and tools.

We bring a peer-informed perspective. Starlings’ caregiver supports are shaped by youth voice, lived experience, and years of community-based learning. We focus on reducing stigma, building shared language, and supporting caregivers to show up with care, without shame, fear, or blame.

How we support caregivers

Free Intro Hope Kits (Alberta Families)

A gentle first step. These kits offer youth-centred resources and conversation starters, and can be picked up or packed together with a mentor if you choose.
Our letter writing companions provide personalised letters to the young person in your life so they know they aren't alone.

Support for Your Youth With You

1:1 or Monthly Groups

1:1 or Group Sessions virtual or in person in Calgary for caregivers (and their young person)

Purchase resources to use with your youth

Our resources are built from lived experience and proven approaches to help you connect with and support your young person.
IMG_3312_edited_edited.jpg

Pen Pal Program

IMG_2358_edited_edited.png

Sign your kiddo up to our Pen Pal program where they can mail us their questions, pictures, and thoughts and our peer mentors we will mail them back letters, resources, and tools. 

How to register for our Pen Pal system

Wait for your mail

Repeat

How to register for our FWH program as a organization or professional

Hope kits foryouth who have been imoacted by the stress and stigma of a paremts subdtanc u

Who This Is For / Who It’s Not

This support is for you if you are:
– A parent, kinship caregiver, foster parent, or chosen family member
– Supporting a young person impacted by a parent’s substance use
– Looking for non-judgmental, youth-centred support

This is not:
– A crisis service
– A clinical or diagnostic program
– A setting where caregivers are evaluated or judged.

The Caregiver Help Desk is not crisis intervention or therapy.

It’s a peer-informed space to ask questions, build understanding, and feel less alone while navigating support.

How to Get Started

I care for a youth aged 5-12

I care for a youth aged 12+

I'm a professional

    Parenting in Repair
    Parenting in Repair
    Multiple Dates
    Mon, May 18
    Virtual
    Join our 6 week virtual program for parents with current/ past substance use challenges who are looking for ways to reconnect and repair their relationship with their teen.
    1:1 with Emilee
    1:1 with Emilee
    Multiple Dates
    Tue, May 19
    Zoom
    1: 1 Mentorship with Emilee C available for young adults 16+ who have grown up with parental substance use challenges, or caregivers supporting a young or young adult
    1:1 with Agnes C
    1:1 with Agnes C
    Multiple Dates
    Wed, May 20
    zoom
    1:1 mentorship with Agnes, for young adults 16+ who have grown up with parental substance use challenges, or youth under 16 with an adult caregiver, OR caregivers of youth.
bottom of page