The NSPCC has reported that the amount of people contacting it with concerns about parents misusing drugs and alcohol has increased by almost a third over the last year

The amount of parents misusing drugs and alcohol is on the rise.

Children's charity NSPCC has reported a 30% increase in the amount of people who are contacting its helpline with concerns about the wellbeing of children who may be affected by a parent’s drug or alcohol abuse.

The charity received around 200 calls a week – 10,207 over a year – which were related to parental substance abuse.

More than a third of children who were referred to police or local authorities across the UK after calls were aged one to five, and 581 were less than a year old.

The NSPCC’s Parents Under Pressure programme aims to help adults build parenting skills, and encourages people to seek the right help and support when required.

“Every child should be able to grow up in a home where they feel safe and supported,” said the charity’s John Cameron. “The sad fact is that many young people are being deprived of this simple right due to one or both of their parents abusing drink and drugs.

“It is vitally important for the wellbeing of the whole family that adults who are misusing any substance seek help from effective programmes such as Parents Under Pressure.”