PARENTS whose children turn to drugs are being urged to turn to a support group for help and advice.

Liberty from Addiction has been set up to help families in the Durham and Chester-le-Street areas who are affected by the problem.

The group, whose volunteers have experienced the problems themselves, has a phoneline and can also meet callers.

Co-ordinator Susan Templeton said: "We can give support and advice, and answer any questions. It depends on what parents want. Some just need to talk and get things off their chest.

"We do not tell them what to do, but we can refer them to other agencies if they need specific help.

"We can meet parents in their own home, in a pub or caf, anywhere really."

The group is trying to raise its profile in the hope of encouraging more parents to seek help.

"The drug problem in the area is the same as anywhere. It is all over now," Ms Templeton said.

The group has a base in Chester-le-Street Volunteer Centre and has won funding from the police, social services and the primary care health trust.

Chief Inspector Laz Szomoru, who is on the group's steering committee, said that Liberty from Addiction was play-ing a vital role in the fight against drugs.

He said: "It is a good organisation. We in the police have moved quite a long way from just enforcing and detecting drug crime and arresting offenders. These days we see it very much as a multi-agency approach.

"When my officers go to an incident where someone in a family may have a drugs problem, they can put the family in touch with this organisation so they can get the support and advice they need.

"They offer a confidential service and have firsthand experience of dealing with problems in this area. They can really lend a sympathetic and empathetic ear."

The group's phoneline (0191-387 1111) is available on weekdays between 5pm and 10pm and at weekdays from 10am to 5pm.

The group is holding a community awareness tomorrow between 5pm and 9pm at Pelton Community Centre. A free buffet will be provided.