THE first Recovery College in England - to support people overcoming alcohol and substance misuse – is to be launched in York early next year.

The local council and its partners have commissioned a national charity, Wire Into Recovery, to launch the scheme, based on a successful community project in Glasgow.

Through the college, the charity will train people who are successfully recovering from addiction to support others going through the recovery process.

It aims to equip people to work safely within their own community to support people who want to stay off alcohol or drugs and to welcome anyone in supported recovery from an alcohol or drug problem.

Free places are on offer to people who can commit to all 12 sessions – beginning on January 28 - and who, after the course, are willing to give their time to work on events, campaigns and support others to live active positive lives after problems with alcohol or drugs.

Local cabinet member for crime Dafydd Williams said: “In York in October 2011, there were 511 people undergoing supported recovery from alcohol dependency, and in September 2012 there were 490 in treatment.

“This downward trend is encouraging but there are many local people who the Recovery College can support and create a sustainable and high quality recovery programme.”

Anyone wishing to join the programme should email michaela@wiredintorecovery.org.uk