FAMILIES devastated by drink and drugs now have a local lifeline in Inverclyde as a new support service is launched in the area.

National charity Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs has set up the local link.

Daryl McLeister, who lives in Gourock, has been appointed as family support officer and is helping to take the service forward.

Daryl has 10 years of experience in recovery services and a degree in psychology and says that the new initiative is badly needed, as alcohol and drugs is a huge issue in Inverclyde.

He said: "We’re here in Inverclyde to help any family members who are affected by a loved one’s alcohol or drug use.

"Caring for a loved one can often be stressful, difficult, overwhelming and confusing.

"Help is available to you through Scottish Families - we’re here to support you."

Daryl expects the new service to be heavily subscribed.

He said: "We have a national helpline and a lot of families calling from this area in the past didn't even know they were entitled to support.

"You only have to look at the alcohol-related death figures to see that there is a massive problem in Inverclyde."

Daryl says the Scottish Government recognised that more support was needed in the area.

He believes that supporting families is critical as it means that they in turn can help loved ones struggling with addiction.

Daryl said: "Through one-to-one support, or group support, we can help them look at strategies to help their loved one in the most effective way.

"We can help them recognise and understand the importance of looking after themselves.

"In addition, we give information and advice, help with confidence, communication, and general wellbeing."

The charity offers training to restore relationships with the person who is addicted and their family.

Daryl said: "It rewards people when they do non-alcohol or drug activities and at the same time stops the family enabling the drink or drug habit, such as going to the supermarket for a bottle."

He has witnessed first hand how damaging addiction can be, both for the person themselves but especially families.

Daryl said: "We have supported people who have had a death in the family.

"It's almost like losing a loved one twice, they have lost them to alcohol or drugs and then when they pass away they lose them a second time."

Daryl says he aims to give families hope that 'the real person is still in there' and to be able to reach them.

At the moment the group cannot meet in person because of Covid rules but they are still offering support.

Daryl said: "Although we’re currently working from home, we’re able to offer help over the phone or through digital methods like Zoom.

"In the Covid-free future, we are going to be meeting people in their community, offering one-to-one help and groups near where they live."

The group accepts referrals for anyone over the age of 16 affected by a loved's one's alcohol or drug use.

Anyone who wants to get in touch should call 08081 101011 or 07554686672 or send an email to inverclydefss@sfad.org.uk or daryl@sfad.org.uk