Norfolk Recovery Partnership (NRP) is reminding people about the support available to those who may be struggling with drug and alcohol problems over the Christmas period.

Eastern Daily Press: An NRP worker. Photo: NSFTAn NRP worker. Photo: NSFT (Image: NSFT)

NRP, which is a partnership of Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT), The Matthew Project and the Rehabilitation for Addicted Prisoners Trust, will be offering help to those with drug and alcohol addiction, during a period which can be difficult for many.

The service offers a range of help including one-to-one interventions, group work, counselling and even a needle exchange, to reduce the harm of substance of use.

Chris Strivens, NRP's deputy service manager, said: 'Christmas can be a time where alcohol use exceeds an individual's usual quantity, poor decisions are made and risks are taken while people are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.'

A key element of the help NRP provide is individual or couples counselling which supports service users in addressing difficulties that may underlie their substance misuse, this could involve relationship breakdowns, money issues and unemployment.

Mr Strivens added: 'This time of year can also be an emotional and reflective time where people think about broken relationships, being estranged from their families and the things they have lost due to their addiction.

'Our staff work with service users on an individual basis to help them to re-build relationships and develop a support network which we know is very important for recovery.

'If you need help, you don't need an appointment and you don't even have to be sure you want treatment. Just call or come to one of our drop in sessions at our recovery cafes and talk to us.'

NRP also works closely with organisations who will be offering help to those who need it over Christmas, including homeless charities and local food banks.

The service is open normal hours, apart from bank holidays, and help will be available between 8am-8pm on 27 and 28 December, and 8am-5pm on 29 December.

For a full list of opening times and more information about NRP, click here.