DROP-in sessions are being launched in Derwentside to give help to people with drug and drink problems.

The sessions will give people support and help and advice in seeking treatment.

Suzanne Forster, social services community development worker for the district, said there was a gap in services, particularly for people who did not have a GP.

"A lot of people don't have a GP, particularly if they have just moved from outside the area.

"I can help with getting a GP and direct them to services and direct them into various treatments.

"The drop-in is really for guidance and for me to assess what would be the most appropriate treatment in the first stage.

"I am looking at trying to sustain the project by possibly recruiting volunteers and working in partnership with other agencies.''

One session is already up and running on Mondays between 10am and noon at South Moor Boys' Club.

Another starts on Friday and will be held weekly at the Burnside Resource Centre in South Stanley between 9.30am and noon.

A third is aimed at young people aged 13 and over and will be held on Fridays starting this week between 6 and 8.30pm at Dipton Hut.

This one will concentrate more on alcohol problems than drug use.

Ms Forster said: "Everywhere has problems with youngsters drinking on a Friday and Saturday night. I think this will address some of the problems in the community.

"It is getting youngsters who wouldn't access any treatment plans to get information in a very informal manner by dropping in and having a chat. They can go away with information and think about it.''

Leaflets about sexual health clinics would also be available at the Dipton session.

The project has Communities Against Drugs funding from the Durham Drug Action Team for a year