A CHARITY helping Warrington families affected by substance abuse has received more than £9,000.

Footsteps 2000 Ltd, based in The Gateway in Sankey Street, supports the families and friends of those affected by drug and alcohol misuse. 

It has received £9,735 from the Coalfields Community Investment Programme, delivered by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, the only organisation dedicated to supporting former mining towns and villages. 

Footsteps will use the funds to employ qualified counsellors for 52 weeks to engage with people who are adversely affected by the drug and alcohol issues of loved ones. 

In addition to counselling and guidance, the organisation also offers telephone support, respite activities and signposting services, as well as providing drug and alcohol education and training to the wider community. 
Pauline Pointon, service manager, said: “The funding means that we are able to reach out to even more people who are suffering the negative effects of a loved-one’s substance misuse and alcohol problems.”

"One-to-one support, group counselling and even just a friendly face can make a huge difference to someone who is going through a very difficult time.

"Helping them to rebuild the relationships they have can be extremely beneficial for their own health and wellbeing and the recovery of their family member or loved-one."

Lynn Utting, development manager for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, added: "The difficulties faced by the families and friends of those who are dependent on drugs and alcohol are often overlooked and they fail to receive the care they need.

"The funding that we are able to provide through the Coalfields Community Investment Programme means that these services can continue and can become a resource that local people are able to rely on when they need it most."