A FREE course on dealing with drug and alcohol abuse is being launched.

The County Durham Drug Action Team sessions are aimed at people who have lived with someone who has had dependency difficulties.

They will result in a qualification from the North East Open College Network.

Spread over ten weeks, the course will look at attitudes to drugs and alcohol, dealing with conflict, legal rights, coping as a parent, and issues such as self-harm.

The sessions aim to help people understand, and cope with, their situation and give them a chance to put their experience to good use by helping others.

Places are limited and travel and childcare expenses can be arranged.

For more information, contact Mandy English or Jill Jefferson, at the Drug Action Team, on 0191-333 3237.