A DRUG and alcohol service helping young people in Wyre Forest is marking its third anniversary.

SPACE (Substance Prevention Acceptance Confidentiality Education) was launched in Worcestershire in April, 2005.

It was set up to provide support to young people experiencing difficulties with drugs and alcohol and to provide advice and support to professionals, parents and carers.

Since the SPACE service began, just under 900 young people have been supported with their substance misuse problems.

The support has ranged from advice and information about drugs and alcohol right through to intense counselling and medical interventions. More than 9,000 young people have also received targeted drug and alcohol educations sessions.

The service has been recognised by school inspections organisation, Ofsted, as an effective service in supporting young people and "is among the strongest in the country."

Alan Ford, the service manger said; "I am delighted that Ofsted has recognised the hard work of the team. We couldn't have achieved this without all of their hard work.

"This has given us the drive to work even harder for the young people that we support and make SPACE the best service in the country."

As part of the celebrations, SPACE will be releasing new materials promoting the service. The materials will be different from before as local young people attending Worcester Technology College are designing them and it is thought that will make the service appear more young person-friendly and, hopefully, result in more young people seeking help.

Any young person who wants to talk to someone about drugs or alcohol can contact SPACE on 0800 169 6064.

Anyone concerned about someone's drug use can contact Pressure Point on 0800 652 9664.

Anybody concerned about their own drug use can contact FRANK on 0800 77 66 00 or log on to www.talktofrank.com.