A get-together organised by the Dover District Community Safety Partnership (DDCSP) has been held to tackle the issues of substance misuse in the area.

120 professionals looked at how different agencies could work closer together to help individuals and their families and to tackle issues substance misuse can cause in communities.

The event at The Ark, at Tower Hamlets in Dover included presentations and workshops.

Experts spoke about a drug and alcohol service for young people, help available for substance abusers, the effect substance misuse can have on families and communities and preventing overdose deaths.

DDCSP partnership officer Heidi Golden said: “We had an excellent response to our event. Issues raised during the day will now be taken back to our Substance Misuse Group which meets regularly.

“The agencies work together not just on enforcement, but also to support people in the community who have substance misuse problems and to help individuals to break the cycle.”

© Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2012