RESIDENTS in a drug-hit community are launching a self-help group offering round-the-clock support to families trying to cope with the effects of substance and alcohol misuse.

The 24 volunteers manning the helpline telephone lines have all received training from addiction support organisations such as Lifeline and Parents Against Drug Abuse, while many have at some time been touched by the misery of drugs.

From next week, when the helpline is officially unveiled, they will offer support to families in similar circumstances, in Middlesbrough, referring concerned callers to appropriate agencies.

Lifeline's Craig Waite, who has been recruited by the West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust (WMNT) and Middlesbrough Drug Action Team , as senior community drugs worker, said: "These fabulous volunteers came to us for help because they realised there was limited support available to parents affected by drug misuse.

"We have been able to give them enough support to get this helpline up and running and would urge local residents to use it. They will be speaking to people who can really understand and empathise with them as they know what they are going through."

Trust chairwoman Joan Ford said: "There has already been a lot of pro-active work in West Middlesbrough to tackle drug misuse as part of WMNT's work to encourage healthy lifestyles.

"This helpline is a great boost, as it is being run by some very dedicated local people, for local people."

The project has won two years' Home Office funding, by which time the group aims to have secured its own funding to continue with the service.

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