IPSWICH: A charity founder is today looking forward to helping more people in Ipswich tackle their issues with drugs.

Naomi Gornall

IPSWICH: A charity founder is today looking forward to helping more people in Ipswich tackle their issues with drugs.

The Iceni Project is set to officially open its new premises in the town on Thursday, which features state-of-the-art facilities and enables them to offer more services.

Brian Tobin, the charity's co-founder, said moving from its former base in Fore Street to a larger building in Foundation Street will mean much more opportunities for people to get the help they need.

Members of the public, stakeholders, and supporters are invited to attend the open day, which will give them a chance to find out more about the services, and meet staff and volunteers.

The new building provides 40 treatment rooms - a massive increase from the previous 12 rooms - and there is also a family room, IT suites, a drop-in caf� and a lift.

Mr Tobin said: “It is exciting to know what we can produce in the future. The size of the building allows us to offer more services and increase our capacity. We are able to provide a group for cannabis users now and a family service.

“There are also training suites. We are very good at getting people to stop taking drugs but it is important to get them back into employment or training.

“It is also important the families get help. They often get neglected but can become agents of change.

“The bottom line is we can help more people. We want people to come in for the open day and see our state-of-the-art facilities.”

The open day at the new base in 64-70 Foundation Street runs from 10am until 7pm. Refreshments and a light buffet will be provided.

Have you used drugs in the past and have an inspirational story to tell? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.