A CLYDEBANK space supporting residents affected by alcohol has had a full makeover so they can reopen their doors.

Dumbarton Area Council on Alcohol (DACA) resumed office-based counselling and one-to-one support from August 24. They said it would be a gradual process while still offering phone and online support for those in high-risk groups or anxious about-face-to-face sessions.

During lockdown, the charity closed its door to the public and moved to phone and video calls and text-based support.

Now their two-storey space on Dumbarton Road has extra facilities to manage a safe return to work.

Mags Mackenzie, chief executive of DACA, said: “Pre-Covid our counselling rooms were upstairs and the downstairs space was mainly used for admin and staff rooms.

“We’ve switched that on its head and worked with a local builder to make sure the space is as safe and accessible for the public as possible.

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“We now have two counselling rooms and an accessible toilet downstairs and the space has been completely remodelled to allow for physical distancing and improved accessibility.”

The charity has continued to support people affected by their own or someone else’s alcohol problems. But they acknowledged that services in person are their goal as soon as is safe and practical.

Mags added: “We want everyone who comes to us for support to feel as comfortable and safe as possible, so the rooms are big enough for people to keep a 2m distance and we are including a cleaning time between each counselling session.

“In the short term we are also keeping the telephone support available because we know some people will not be comfortable travelling in on public transport, particularly if they have been shielding.

“The past few months have been extremely stressful and worrying times for everyone.

“We want to assure our community that DACA is still here and whether you are accessing our services in person, by phone or online we will do our very best to make sure you get the support you need in a way that works for you.”

If you are worried about your drinking or that of a friend or loved one, please call DACA on 0141 9520881.