FAMILIES struggling to cope with drug addicts have been urged to get in touch with a local support group.

Organisers of the Harbour Family Helpline were saddened by the story of 16-year-old Barry Wilcox who was jailed for five years for a catalogue of burglaries committed to fund a drug habit.

As reported in the BEN, Barry's mother Hazel is battling to get his sentence reduced and move him from Hindley prison to a secure unit.

Mrs Wilcox said she felt helpless and naive about the drug problems of her son until it was too late and did not know where to turn for help.

Harbour member Christine, the mum of a Halliwell drug user, said: "I can empathise with Mrs Wilcox and her family as I too have a son with drug problems and have had for several years.

"I could write a book on what he has put us through. We have gone through the heart-aches that Mrs Wilcox and family are going through at the moment.

"But I would like to say that there is help at hand for parents at Harbour."

Harbour offers a confidential listening and support service to parents, partners, relatives and friends of drug users. Advice is available from Christine on Bolton 526941 or Susan on 862102.

The group also meet at St Luke's Drop-in, Chorley Old Road (opposite Morrisons) on the first Monday of every month between 7.30-9pm.

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