The Mayor of Hillingdon has spoken out about addiction problems in the borough and hopes to promote a new recovery service.

The service, Addiction Recovery Community Hillingdon (ARCH), is a recovery orientated service in partnership between CNWL, Hillingdon Council, Blenheim CDP, Westminster Drug Project (WDP) and service user peer led charity Build on Belief (BOB).

Since its launch in August ARCH has supported numerous service users to enter treatment with a variety of support needs, such as alcohol, cannabis, cocaine and crack, khat and heroin or over the counter opiates.

Cllr George Cooper, Mayor of Hillingdon, said: "The cost to society from addictions is horrific, not necessarily just the cost in work terms but the cost to the individual, their friends and family.

"But it's not the end of the road. There is hope and support out there so it's absolutely fantastic to see this being provided by ARCH through the different therapies and the different ways of helping people come to terms with their addiction and to give them the strength to address those problems."

ARCH sector manager Sue Murphy said: "Substance misuse can cause a variety of health-related problems such as high or low blood pressure, stroke, heart, lung or liver disease, depression, anxiety or panic attacks. psychosis, paranoia and trouble sleeping.

"We have a proven track record in helping people in Hillingdon at the ARCH service to regain control of their lives following a period of substance misuse.

"We have been able to help so many people in recovering their lives and long may it continue."

ARCH is free and is available to any young person or adult who lives in Hillingdon and is registered with a GP in Hillingdon.

The service has hubs throughout the borough and offers a number of services as well as an accredited peer mentor programme, volunteering opportunities and activities for all service users including a peer-led weekend service.

Recovery also includes joint working with employment agencies, training providers and housing associations to help service users get back on track.

For more information on ARCH, visit their website , call 01895 207777 or email arch.hillingdon@nhs.net.