Stephen Metcalfe local MP for South Basildon and East
Thurrock has expressed his support for the local Open Road centre in Basildon
which provides much needed help for individuals affected by drugs and alcohol.
Open Road is the leading provider of drug and alcohol
services in the East of England with numerous centres located throughout Essex,
Suffolk and Norfolk. The site in Basildon offers a safe and secure environment
in which people suffering with drug or alcohol related problems can seek
advice, access services and treatment, and where under 18s can access Essex
Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Service (EYPDAS).
Mr Metcalfe commented: “Open Road provide an invaluable
service to people suffering with drug or alcohol related issues. They not only
offer services to deal with the practicalities of addiction, but most
importantly, they empower people, enabling them to choose a life free from
drugs and alcohol. This not only benefits individuals but the community as a
whole.”
“In conjunction with EYPDAS, Open Road are in the process of
launching a new project that would see representatives from the organisations
go into local schools to educate the young people about the dangers of drugs
and alcohol in a more accessible and informative way.”
Mr Metcalfe added: “Prevention is better than cure and
education is a key way through which prevention can be achieved. I will be
wholeheartedly supporting this project and am already in the process of a
convening a meeting with colleagues and groups in South Essex to try and find
away to fund this important endeavour. Basildon Council has kindly agreed to
host the meeting and I look forward to seeing the outcome. I will also be
contacting other MPs including the Secretary
of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles about the
issue.”
If you would like further information about Open Road
Basildon please visit: http://openroad.org.uk/centres/in/basildon/,
or if you are under 18, please see: http://www.eypdas.org.uk.
No appointment is necessary to visit the centre and clients are welcome at any
time during open hours.
