A MENTORING service for those receiving alcohol and drug treatment will be launched in Essex next month.

The service will be provided by Foundation66, a national alcohol and drug treatment charity which works with individuals and communities to reduce the harm caused by problematic alcohol and drugs use.

The project has been commissioned by Essex County Council’s Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) and, working with the Support Advice and Mentoring Service, aims to match people who are receiving treatment for addictions with a mentor who may have recovered from similar issues.

Ben Hughes, strategic manager at Essex DAAT, said: “We are looking forward to working with Foundation66 to develop a new innovative volunteer mentor service in Essex to enhance and support the long-term recovery and reintegration of adults, young people and families affected by substance misuse.”

Volunteer mentors will spend time with their mentees discussing treatment, family, social and work lives.

Jakki Moxham, Foundation66’s interim chief executive, said: “People with alcohol or drug addictions often tell us that regularly talking to others is one of the most motivating parts of their journey.

“Matching people with a mentor who can identify with their particular situations and long-term goals can have an extraordinary effect on lives.”

Staff and volunteers will be recruited over the next three months.

Ann Naylor, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said the initiative will help a number of people.

She added: “We are very pleased to be working in partnership with Foundation66 to deliver this scheme.”