A GROUP set up to help the silent victims of drug abuse is looking for more members.

Often, family or friends who care for people who misuse drugs are over-looked, but Wear Valley Carers Initiative hopes to redress this problem with its support group, recently set up in Bishop Auckland.

It is looking for more people to attend its monthly meetings, where support workers are on hand with information and advice and carers are able to talk in confidence with people in similar situations.

A spokeswoman for the group said: "With this being an informal group, people can talk about drug misuse or empathise with others and know they are not on their own.

"Obviously everything said in the group is also confidential."

The meetings are held on the first Monday of every month, 1.30pm to 2.30pm, at Woodhouse Close Church, Bishop Auckland. The next meeting will be held Monday, February 5. For further information, contact Loretta Watt on (01388) 451400