A new service providing a single point of contact for anyone concerned about their own or someone else’s drug and or alcohol use has been launched in East Ayrshire.

Rapid Access to Drug and Alcohol Recovery (RADAR) is a unique approach which involves partners from NHS Addiction Services, We Are With You, Ayrshire Council on Alcohol and East Ayrshire Advocacy Services.

Anyone can make a referral to the service, as long as they have permission from the person they are referring – this includes self-referral.

The service aims to offer a same day or next working day appointment to help identify the recovery support best suited to an individual’s needs. Initial appointment are likely to take place over the telephone.

Kimberley Mills, East Ayrshire RADAR Co-ordinator and Charge Nurse for East Ayrshire’s NHS Addictions Service, explained:”This service has been created for the people of East Ayrshire who have been affected by alcohol and substances allowing them to access support when they feel ready”

The service is open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday by calling 01563 578770. Out of hours help and support will still be provided by NHS 24 by calling 111.