Guidelines for those in need

Coping with Christmas guidelines have been drawn up by a Bognor Regis drop-in centre for friends and relatives of people who misuse drugs or alcohol.

The centre is run by the West Sussex drug and alcohol action team family and friends network.

They provide a safe place where people affected by someone else's drinking or drug use can receive free and confidential information and support from a friendly team of trained advisors.

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The Bognor centre is open between 1pm and 2.30pm on Thursdays '“ not Christmas Day or New Year's Day '“ at The Hub community centre on the corner of Queensway and Canada Grove.

Jane Brown, the network's co-ordinator, said Christmas could be a fraught time for those whose lives had been affected by someone's misuse of drugs and alcohol.

"Anxieties around Christmas are numerous. They include alcohol being more readily available, deciding whether to have alcohol in the home, choosing whether to allow a person who uses substances into your home, drugs and related paraphernalia being in your home and choosing Christmas presents for people who use substances.

"To people who are touched by someone's drug and alcohol misuse over the festive period we say 'Remember you have the right to enjoy Christmas as you wish'.

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"Our advice is talk about what is going to happen at Christmas with family and friends beforehand and develop a plan for what to do if tensions do begin to rise.

"Think about the alcohol available in the house and talk to the person you are concerned about before Christmas as to how you should play this.

"It is important you make sure you have some personal time for yourself.

"It's also important you don't suffer in silence. Talk about your concerns. Talk to someone who will understand '“ whether it's a family member, a friend, a drop-in advisor or helpline."

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