A new centre is opening for young people who use drugs and alcohol in Gloucestershire. This centre, which will enable the young people of Gloucestershire to deal with drug and alcohol misuse, will be officially opened by Gloucester MP, Parmjit Dhanda on Wednesday 4th August.

Jo Melling, the Centre's Manager said: "This 'young person friendly' facility aims to enable any young person who needs help, to access support and, if necessary, any medical help they may need."

40B London Road will provide the county's first treatment and support centre for young people under 19. The centre includes medical facilities, a 'drop in' area and a group work room. This service has been established as part of the government's National Drug Strategy.

Executive Director of Social Services, Margaret Sheather, Chair of the Gloucestershire Community Safety Partnership said:

"There are a small but significant number of our young people who need the help of this specialist service. This new facility will offer a splendid opportunity for the very best treatment and support and a safe place, where those in need, can directly access help."

A consultant led specialist medical team will work with young people who require medical interventions for their drug or alcohol use. The service includes an outreach team of specialist drugs workers known as the GINI team. They have their own web site at www.webgini.com or can be contacted on 01452 503186.

Service Manager, Jo Melling, said:

'We are here to provide a service to meet the needs of young people who have a wide variety of complex issues in their lives; all of which have contributed to their substance misuse. We treat each young person as an individual and offer a service that supports them through the process of reducing and stopping misusing drugs and alcohol.'