A SUPPORT group to help the increasing number of parents whose children have an addiction is being set up in Evesham.

An informal meeting for parents and carers is being held next Monday at 42 High Street in Evesham between 7 and 8pm to kick start the project.

One mum whose son has an addiction and who did not want to be named, said she thought the group would bridge a much-needed gap in services. At present there is nothing for parents and carers who may be feeling isolated. The nearest organisation is Turning Point in Worcester, which is stretched to the limit.

She said: "There is an increase in young people using drugs and injecting heroin in this area. I have seen the progression. I have been helping my son and his friends and I don't get any help at all.

"There is nowhere to go and no one to talk to, so we wanted to set up a group for parents to come and meet and discuss their families and children. Hopefully, the outcome will be to help the youngsters themselves."

Although the self help group is being set up to cater for any addictions including drugs, alcohol and gambling, it is mainly drugs which the group hopes to tackle.

"I have gone home and found seven or eight addicts and homeless people in my living room. We need to set up this group to make people aware that if they want people rid of heroin and other drugs these people need somewhere to go and get help."

She said people wanting to come off drugs currently have to wait eight months before they can go on to methadone, a heroin substitute.

It is hoped that if the support group gets off the ground, it can lobby for a better deal for young addicts such as more education for the youngsters themselves and their carers and for a better needle exchange which has now been reduced to one morning a week in Evesham.

Anyone interested can go along to the meeting or contact Lynda on 01386 446580 for more information.