A NEW drugs project aimed at young people has received the go-ahead.

The Inward House 'Options for All' project will receive £6493 from the Pendle Partnership over the next two years.

By providing accessible information to people with substance misuse problems in the ethnic minority community the project aims to increase the take-up of mainstream drug services and encourage clients to lead a normal life by supporting them into education, work and training.

Funding will be used to increase awareness of drug services and drug treatment options and to encourage more people from the community to use existing drug services.

A drugs worker from Inward House's existing community day care team with experience of working with the ethnic minority community will be seconded to the project.

The project will also encourage members of the community to debate drugs misuse and help them consider what they can do to tackle substance abuse.

Courses on literacy and computer skills will be provided by Nelson and Colne College and the Workers Education Association.

Much of the support offered to clients will be provided by volunteers, particularly former drug addicts, who will gain vital voluntary work experience from the project.

'Options for All' is also seeking to work closely with organisations, such as PPWA, Ithaad, Faislabad and the PWA to tap into their community networks.

Pendle Partnerships Programme Assistant Marie Mason said, "This project will make drug support services more accessible to young people in the ethnic minority community and help to tackle a major cause of crime and social exclusion. Help will be available to get young people back into education, work and training, and give them opportunities to live an independent and fulfilling life."

Sean Coady of Inward House said, "Communities affected by substance misuse are left feeling helpless, powerless, and unsure of how best to deal with the situation.

"At a time when the community should be reaching out for support, the tendency is to become inward looking and isolated. By not accessing treatment services the problem goes unchecked."