BURY Substance Misuse Service which caters for those with drug and alcohol problems, their carers and families is to officially launch its users group.

An open day will take place at Oddfellows House in Manchester Road, Bury, on Tuesday, to inform the public of services, treatment and support currently available.

It will also allow Bury Substance Misuse Service to consult with members of the public and gain valuable feedback on the vital role they play. Visitors to the open day, which will take place between 10am and 3pm, will be given an opportunity to have their say and to comment on the work of the Service..

Substance Misuse worker Janet Lightfoot said: "The Services users group comprises service users, former service users and carers and currently has a working party of between seven and eight representatives.

"This initiative will complement existing local and national drug and alcohol strategies. Feedback from this launch will provide local partnerships, including the Drug and Alcohol Action Team, Primary Care Trust and the local authority, with invaluable information. It will provide the opportunity for service users and members of the public to have their say and influence the future provision of local substance misuse services."

She added: "Unfortunately, the term substance is often perceived as relating primarily to illicit drugs like heroin and cocaine. However, the term includes alcohol, illicit drugs and the misuse of prescribed drugs."

Commenting on the event, Janet went on: "We will have representatives from Bury Housing Concern, Progress 2 Work, Early Break, Parsons Lane and other agencies at the open day and we do hope that as many people as possible will attend the event which will be held in an informal atmosphere.

"The information will be collected by the service users group in order to allow individuals to feel comfortable in disclosing their thoughts and opinions. We are keen to know what service users feel that we do well and what improvements they feel we could make to the service and wider community.

"Our objective is to deliver a service which meets the needs of both service users and the local community. Visitors can also volunteer to join the service users group and to take an active role in the service."

Lunch, coffee and tea will be provided.