A NEW support group has been set up for carers of people with drug and alcohol issues.

Scarborough and Ryedale Carers Resource and the Cambridge Centre are offering the chance for people to meet others in similar circumstances and to share information and advice based on common experiences.

The group aims to help people cope with day-to-day stresses of living alongside someone else’s substance use and give an insight into local services and systems that people may come across as they try to help some manage their drug or alcohol issues.

Scarborough and Ryedale Carers Resource already offer individual support to anyone who needs help to tackle a particular aspect of their caring role and also mail out information on relevant activities, training and events to people who support someone else.

Julie Graves, from the group, said: “We realise that a lot of local people are supporting someone who uses drugs or alcohol, but only a small number are finding out about the support available to them – sometimes it helps just to talk through your situation, or sometimes we can provide information or advice that helps you cope.”

Julie added that they remind people to look after themselves as well and help people to share tips or information that can make a real difference.

“People can feel very isolated, especially when looking out for someone using drugs or alcohol – there is a real stigma attached to this – and we are working with the Cambridge Centre to enable people to get the information they need and if you are in this situation we want you to tell us what else would make a positive difference.”

The group will be meeting in Scarborough library once a month, at 10.30am in the small room upstairs. The next meeting is on Tuesday, April 26.

If you are affected by someone else’s use of drugs or alcohol and you would benefit from support you are welcome to attend.

To find out more, phone Julie Graves at Scarborough and Ryedale Carers Resource on 01723 850155.