An addiction support group is to be set up by a former alcoholic.

Linthwaite man Dave Kennedy is behind the new project, which he wants to set up in the Colne Valley with the help of a team of volunteers.

Dave, who told the Huddersfield Examiner of his 24 year battle with alcohol, says it will be the first local service of its kind and hopes through it he can reach out to people struggling with alcohol or drug addictions.

Called Colne Valley Addiction Support Group, it will allow attendees to discuss their problems, receive abstinence support and advice on which relevant services to contact.

No dates or venue for the first meeting have yet been confirmed but the group hopes to get it up and running in the next couple of months.

Dave, 42, said: “It’s something that we haven’t yet got in the Colne Valley but is important we set up because I think addiction is a problem in the area and there are people out there who need help but haven’t yet engaged with any group.

“There is some mobile support available but no group with a static base, like that which is available in Huddersfield town centre.

“I think it may be delaying some people’s decision to get help, if they don’t want to travel that far.

“I’ve got a team of 15 people who want to help run regular discussion groups and one-to-one sessions, which includes mental health students, those with past addiction problems themselves and families of those with the problems.

“I just want to give something back to the community and think that if I can just get one person off drinking or drugs it will be worth it.

“We would like anyone who is interested in coming along to get some advice to get in touch so we can keep them up to date.”

The group is now asking for donations or grants to ensure it is established as a long-term service.

He said: “This is not a flash in the pan project and we’re just taking baby steps to ensure that we can run it properly.

“We are currently deciding where to host our meetings and would welcome any financial support to help us pay for room hire and to go towards future expansions.

“It would be great if we could expand the service in the future to offer counselling and other services.”

Anyone who would like to make a donation to the group or would like to get advice through attending the group should contact Dave on kennedydavidjohn@yahoo.co.uk or 07999 051750.

More information can be found by typing Colne Valley Addiction Support into Facebook or following @CVAS01 on Twitter.