A free 24-hour telephone helpline for people with concerns about drug and alcohol misuse is amongst a series of new initiatives being introduced by Hounslow’s Drug and Alcohol Treatment Team.

Hounslow Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) is a partnership of statutory and voluntary agencies in Hounslow working to reduce the harm caused by drugs and alcohol.

Simon Gunn, Joint Commissioning Manager, said: “Despite limited resources and understaffing, the DAAT team continues to make progress. We are looking forward to the challenges that face us this year and are positive the service will continue to improve.

“We are not complacent and know there is work to be done. But we are making positive strides in the right direction and many of our schemes and innovations are held up as models of good practice by other authorities.”

The helpline was originally devised to benefit clients of the service but any member of the public can contact its specially trained staff for advice.

Simon added: “The introduction of a 24 hour, seven days a week helpline, is a new innovation for Hounslow and is working now. Staff can answer questions, give advice and discuss treatment options. It’s a free service and confidentiality is guaranteed.”

The innovation will be unveiled during a special event on Friday July 1st at Hounslow Civic Centre when the team presents its programme for the coming year and celebrates its achievements from the last.

Other initiatives to be announced at the event – which will be attended by Ann Keen, the Member of Parliament for Brentford and Isleworth - includes a drug intervention programme for offenders and a borough-wide survey of street drinking.