New service to help those most in need

LiNK iN, a community based initiative funded by St Anne’s Community Services, will host regular drop-in sessions throughout the area to help people with drug and alcohol problems, mental health concerns or financial worries.

The service will target areas that are traditionally more isolated from services and lack information, such as Dewsbury Moor, Chickenley, Savile Town and Thornhill.

A dedicated team of trained volunteers will provide on the spot guidance and point people in the right direction to get help for their problems.

Rachel McDonald, of LiNK iN, said: “Funding and support from St Anne’s Community Services has allowed us to create the project, which will improve both awareness and access to services across areas of Kirklees that traditionally struggle to access them.”

LiNK iN volunteer Nathan Fretwell said: “This is by the community, for the community. Although the initial funding has come from St Anne’s, if any other organisations or private sector companies want to give something back, we would appreciate that.

“We will be doing early intervention work to stop people developing more severe drug and alcohol or mental health problems later on.”

Sessions are already planned for Thornhill Lees Community Centre on April 19 and Dewsbury Fire Station on May 10.

The service is also asking people for help to support its work through donations of time, resources, venues or money.