Addaction, one of the UK’s largest specialist drug and alcohol treatment charities, will soon be opening a centre in Ross-on-Wye, in the Old Chapel, as a part of a £5 million contract to provide its services to people across Herefordshire.

The Old Chapel, which has been empty for a long time, will be one of three centres opening in Herefordshire. There will be two others opening in Hereford and in Leominster.

Under a five year contract, Addaction will expand the options open to adults and young people recovering from alcohol and drug issues. The service will also be open to anyone with concerns regarding drug and alcohol abuse, such as parents or partners of those battling addiction.

The new service will begin in Herefordshire on December 1st, and service users will be at the heart of how it is delivered. However, it is not expected that the centre will open in the Old Chapel until after the new year. Service users can access the service online, or by attending the Hereford centre.

Associate director Sue Petters said: “We’re delighted to be working with the council in Herefordshire and genuinely excited about the opportunities here in such a strong community.

“We are eager to offer and promote recovery as a realistic option to those struggling with substance misuse and then give them the chance to become recovery champions, spreading the word that recovery to a fulfilling life is achievable and positive.”

As part of the new service, peer support and mutual aid work will be expanded, staff will develop links within the community to offer service users opportunities to build life skills and a comprehensive volunteering programme will be implemented.

The new contract is £1,774,000 a year for an initial period of three years with the option to extend for a further two years. It was agreed by Herefordshire Council at cabinet level.

At the November meeting of the Full Ross Town Council, which was held on November 9th, the Councillors agreed to grant the tenancy of the Old Chapel to Addaction. This was due to reports they received that the organisation is an established body. There was recognition of the need for the services Addaction offer, and guaranteed funding also made them a preferred tenant.

There will be minimal work needed to make the building fit for purpose and a number of estimates are being sought for the necessary remedial works.

If you require more information about Addaction, visit their website: www.addaction.org.uk.