Local MSP Keith Brown has welcomed a new service available within Forth Valley, which supports families affected by substance misuse.

He met with a representative from Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs (SFAD), which provides support to family members and friends who have been affected by the substance misuse of a relative, friend or loved one, and raises awareness of the issues affecting them.

The organisation receives core funding from the Scottish Government to deliver the family support aspect of their Road to Recovery drugs strategy and Alcohol Framework.

Mr Brown said, “I welcome this new service which is now available to my constituents across Clackmannanshire, Bridge of Allan and Dunblane.  “Families and friends have a vital role to play in the recovery of their loved one, but they also need support and assistance and this is what the service offered by SFAD provides.

“I would encourage anyone with a family member or a friend with alcohol or drugs problems who are looking for support and advice to get in touch and find out how SFAD can help.” Sophie Burt, the SFAD family support development worker for the Clackmannanshire and Stirling area, said,  “Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs are here to support the families, relatives, partners and friends of Forth Valley who are trying to cope with someone who is misusing substances.

“We are a caring and supportive organisation that hopes to raise the awareness of the issues impacting on families through our 1-2-1 support and through group support.”