A project aimed at supporting parents and carers of drug addicts will be launched on Monday.

The Free the Way scheme, based in new premises in Church Street, Seaham, will offer a specialised service for those looking after substance misusers.

Free the Way is a charitable organisation that aims to bring parents and carers together to offer advice, information, mutual support and practical help.

Substance misuse is significant among the young adult population and can cause stress for parents and others involved in their care.

The innovative project, funded by the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) has been backed and set up by Easington Primary Care Trust (PCT), the County Durham Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) unit and the local parents group.

It will be the first parents and carers' centre of its type in County Durham and one of only a few in the North-East offering a range of services to parents and the wider community.

Tom Stuart, who is the regional carers' representative and local businessman in the Easington district, said: "We are really pleased that this centre can now come on-line. It brings together parents and carers from all over the area.''

David Cliff, DAAT co-ordinator/unit manager, said: "The DAAT has a commitment to supporting parents and carers across County Durham. We felt Easington stood as a priority for us in this respect given the high levels of need in this area.''

Carer Sandra Cossey, from the Free the Way, said it had taken two years for a group to be formed in the Seaham area for parents, carers and friends of people with an addiction.

"With the opening of the Seaham centre on Monday, our goal has now been realised. We hope that the Free the Way centre will help the families of addicts and help the unfortunate victims of drug and alcohol addictions to give them a better chance in life.''