Mothers who have been meeting in Bradford to pray for their drug-addicted children hope to start a city-wide network.

The women, who have set up their own branch of the worldwide Mothers' Prayers movement, have been offered a room where they can meet and reach out to others.

And organiser Judy Midgley said the group had a vision of creating a non-denominational retreat for parents, particularly mothers, of addicted children.

"We know there are thousands of mothers with addicted children who need prayers and support," she said.

"Our group is Mothers' Prayers for Addicted Children, a special group because of the focus on addiction. Mothers have come out of their isolation to share their pain and feelings of guilt. The sharing and support of the group took them from despair to hopefulness.

"Members can be mothers or carers and supportive friends. During the prayer group we felt supported to share the pains and struggles we were experiencing."

The basement area at the presbytery at St Mary's Catholic Church in Bradford is to be refurbished and made available for the group by the priest there so the work can expand throughout the city.

Judy, a committed Christian who lives in Keighley, started the group more than two year ago after meeting several mothers who were suffering severe stress because of their children's addiction.

"We have prayed and shared and cried together over the last two-and-a-half years and throughout that there has been a wonderful healing for the mothers and the children," she said.

Debbie Allen, service manager at Bridge drugs project in Bradford, said supporting parents and carers of addicts was crucial. "There are so many people using drugs who are younger now," she said.

"Anything that's going to enable the carers to support the user and will give information is to be welcomed."

The Mothers' Prayers for Addicted Children group has prepared an information pack for parents, especially mothers, of all denominations and faiths and anyone who would like more information can contact Judy Midgley on Bradford (01274) 567893.

Meetings of the Mothers' Prayers group will take place on Thursday, June 25, from noon to 3pm at St Francis's Church, Greenway Drive, Allerton, and at St Mary's Roman Catholic Church Hall, East Parade, Bradford at 7.30pm.

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