VOLUNTEERS are wanted to help people affected by alcohol misuse or who are worried about a friend or family member’s drinking.

ADS (Addiction Dependency Solutions) already has a trained group of helpers.

ADS is the leading regional charity which delivers alcohol and drug services, as part of the Community Services Bury Health Trainers Programme.

Bury Alcohol Community Volunteers work with local people to put together personal health plans to improve their lifestyles and look at their alcohol consumption.

Volunteers are based in a number of community locations throughout Bury.

All volunteers receive comprehensive training which includes calculating alcohol units and identifying levels of risk to health as well as brief intervention techniques to help an individual adopt safer drinking practices.

Sharon, a volunteer who was in the pub trade for more than 18 years, has witnessed first-hand from both her brother and husband the devastating impact of alcohol misuse.

She said: “By offering this service in a variety of community settings, we can reach out to the widest possible group of people who need help with alcohol misuse.

“I get real satisfaction from helping people and seeing the difference I make.”

Anyone requiring more information about the service or would like to apply to become a volunteer, should contact the ADS Volunteer co-ordinator, Debra Lamb, on 0161 724 2241.