Community Life

The project offers advice and treatment to people suffering from drug and alcohol addictions, helping them turn their lives around.

A number of the recovering addicts are now helping to advise on how best to improve the services offered.

Known as service user representatives, the former users have met with the council to give their views on how services could be made better across the borough.

Peter, one of the reps, says being able to give back to the community that helped him has made all the difference to his life.

He's now looking forward to the New Year with improved confidence and skills.

"It's made me stable. I'm now doing a college course. I'm doing a lot of things I didn't think I would be doing It's basically been [due to] going to forums. [I'm now] more confident."

Another rep, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: "It does make a real difference and it's a big boost to know that you're helping other people. I'm proud to be a part of something that's giving back to people like myself."