A pioneering group which was set up by Keighley families to help others touched by Drugs has opened a new chapter in its three-year history.

Keighley Families Against Drugs (K-FAD) -- a support group for families run by the parents of users and ex-users -- has set up in its first permanent base in the town centre.

It has moved into an office within Keighley Healthy Living Network's headquarters in Lawkholme Lane.

Founder members Elaine Wise and Linda Whitehouse are hoping the move will make it easier for both parents and children to access the support and information the group offers.

They and other members will be running a support group and drop-in on Monday evenings from 7-9pm when parents and their children can visit for a chat and share experiences.

People can also drop in to the office on Tuesday and Thursdays from 6-8pm, on Wednesdays from 10am to 4pm and Saturday mornings from 10am to noon.

Elaine said: "What we are keen to do is let people know where we are and that there is someone there who will listen to them.

"Parents need to know that there's someone out there who knows what they are experiencing.

"We have built up a library of information on drugs and people can take away leaflets on specific drugs so they don't have to go trawling through lots of information."

She added: "We can provide the advice to people wanting to come off drugs, but it really is down to the individual.

"It's about making people more aware of what can happen to the families and the life that revolves around someone who is addicted to drugs. Until you actually become involved with a drug addict you have no appreciation of what it is like -- you can only imagine what it's like.

"At the end of the day people may be calling your son or daughter scum, but they are still your children and you have to realise that it is the drug that is controlling them."

Elaine said: "The problem is that when you find out your pride steps in and you feel as if you've let them down. You don't want anyone to know so you don't want to discuss it with anyone.

"By coming to groups like ours, families can open up slowly and realise there are other people experiencing the same problems as themselves.

"The situation regarding drug and alcohol abuse in Keighley hasn't improved over the last three years and we won't deal with it by burying our heads in the sand."

Linda added: "It's becoming increasingly obvious that we have got to move forward, and we are looking to expand. We are looking for other people to help us out.

"We are looking at ways of getting involved with the Asian community by organising a drop-in for the community.

"I am going to run a course on rebuilding lives which is open to people whose lives are hurting for whatever reason.

"It's about new beginnings, and there will hopefully be some workshops if there are enough people interested."

Elaine and fellow members have been invited to speak to local groups and at conferences across the country, where they have gained much interest and respect from people looking to set up similar schemes.

They have also been visiting local schools, including Oakbank, to talk to young people about the effects drugs have on families.

Anyone who would like more information can call into K-FAD at 43-49 Lawkholme Lane, phone 01535 677177 or fax 01535 677007.

A 24-hour helpline is also in operation, the number for which can be obtained by calling the phone number above.

All inquiries will be treated in confidence.