DRUG addicts and alcoholics are being urged to take advantage of a new mobile clinic travelling across the county to help them beat their addictions.

Drugs and alcohol workers will travel in a van run by Oxford-based drugs service Smart (Substance Misuse and Alcohol Referral Team) to every corner of Oxfordshire – including Barton and Blackbird Leys in Oxford.

The mobile unit is open for anyone who wants to talk about their own drinking or drug use or concerns for friends or family.

A private one-to-one room will be available for people to speak confidentially to Smart’s workers to get advice, have an assessment, or to see their drug or alcohol worker on a regular basis.

The unit will be visiting Oxford, Burford, Carterton, Chipping Norton, Faringdon, Henley, Wallingford, Wantage, Thame and Berinsfield.

Smart chief executive Darren Worthington said: “Our aim is to provide drug and alcohol interventions that are accessible to all communities in Oxfordshire regardless of their location.

“To achieve this, our mobile outreach service will take our support to many more locations, particularly those with growing or hidden substance misuse problems.

“We will offer support to individuals throughout their journey towards a life that’s free of drug and alcohol use.”

The service was commissioned by Oxfordshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team, whose role is to implement and co-ordinate the Government’s national drug strategy across the county.

The drop-in centre made its first visit to Barton, in Oxford, yesterday.

Today, the mobile drop-in centre will visit Wallingford and Wantage, while tomorrow it will visit Faringdon and Berinsfield.

The service will also visit Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre, in Pegasus Road, every second and fourth Tuesday of the month between 10.30am and 12.30pm.

Gerry Webb, chairman of Blackbird Leys Parish Council, said: “It is welcome, but I hope, like a lot of things, it doesn’t just appear once or twice then go when it runs out of money.

“Let’s hope it’s here for the long run.”

He added: “I don’t think people should worry it will attract undesirables because anyone turning up obviously wants help to get off drugs.

“If just five people turn up and only two are convinced to get off drugs then I’m sure it would be considered a success.”

No drugs or medical treatment are given to addicts.

Experts provide general advice for addicts or family members and help to access other Smart services or drugs help in the county.

Anyone needing drugs or alcohol help should call the Smart helpline on 01865 403151.

mwilkinson@oxfordmail.co.uk

Mobile Drugs and Alcohol Outreach Locations:

Mondays: 10.30am-12.30pm: Kings Road Car Park, Henley 2pm-4pm: Cattle Market car park, Thame

Tuesdays: 10.30am-12.30pm: Barton Community Centre, Barton, Oxford, (Every first and third Tuesday of the month) 10.30am-12.30pm: Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre, Blackbird Leys, Oxford (Every second and fourth Tuesday of the month)

Wednesdays: 10.30am-12.30pm: Goldsmith Lane car park, Wallingford 2pm-4pm: Sainsbury’s car park, Wantage

Thursdays: 10.30am-12.30pm: Gloucester Street car park, Faringdon 2pm-4pm: Berinsfield Leisure Centre

Fridays: 10.30am-12.30pm: Black Bourton Road car park, Carterton (Every first and third Friday of the month) 10.30pm-12.30pm: Guildenford Street car park, Burford (Every second and fourth Friday of the month) 2pm-4pm: New Street car park, Chipping Norton