People in Galashiels and surrounding areas who want advice about safer drug and alcohol use are invited to attend First Steps, a free group run by charity With You and NHS Borders.

The group takes place every Thursday from 11am-1pm at the With You base at 125 High Street, Galashiels, TD1 2RZ.

Anthea Young, Operations Manager at With You in the Borders, says: “If you are worried about your drug or alcohol and you want to start making changes, our group is a perfect first step. Please come along and have a chat - we have a friendly and compassionate team.”

Every week, an NHS nurse attends the group to give advice on wound care and discuss medicated assisted treatment options - as well as offering general guidance on health and wellbeing.

Rachel Deas, Trainee Advanced Nurse Practitioner at Borders Addiction Service, adds: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with With You to run this group for people living in Galashiels and the surrounding area.

“This is a safe and welcoming place to get information about drugs and alcohol, and to find out more about the support that is available if you want to make a change in your life.”

An NHS support worker will also be on hand to offer information on benefits, housing and other support services.

The group is free to attend and there is no need to register in advance. To find out more, contact With You in the Borders by emailing borders@wearewithyou.org.uk , or by calling 01896 757 843 , or drop into the base on Galashiels High Street.

If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s drug use, support information is available from With You at wearewithyou.org.uk or from NHS Borders.