A project that will support people overcoming drug and alcohol addiction at a vulnerable stage in their transition from dependency has been awarded £5,000 funding.

Breckland Council has granted the money to DAAT (the Drug and Alcohol Addiction Team) for a new service, the 'Thetford Recovery Through Art Project'.

Also supported by Norfolk County Council, the project will be set up by Keystone Development Trust to support those recovering from drug, alcohol and mental health issues.

According to the project, research has shown that the first steps taken independently outside of professional treatment are often the hardest for recovering addicts, and that peer-to-peer support at this stage from those further along the road to recovery is beneficial. The project will provide a drop-in community facility offering arts and crafts activities where individuals can encourage and support each other at a vulnerable time.

Cllr Lynda Turner, Breckland Council Executive Member for Community and Environmental Services, said: 'Individuals have often spent many years with their lives ruled by addiction. The support offered through the project will help recovering addicts make the transition back into mainstream society, through building the levels of confidence and self-esteem needed for independent living'.

This initiative developed following discussions between DAAT, Keystone and Norfolk's Recovery and Engagement Officer, who identified a need to provide 'second stage' support for recovering addicts to follow on from in-service treatment.

It is anticipated that, as this community hub develops, it will bring positive benefits such as social inclusion, crime reduction and integration with the wider community through volunteering programmes and employment opportunities.