ADVICE and guidance on the drawbacks of dope were offered to the public in Ipswich when the third annual Healthjam took to the town's Cornhill.

ADVICE and guidance on the drawbacks of dope were offered to the public in Ipswich when the third annual Healthjam took to the town's Cornhill.

The event, held between noon and 4pm yesterday on Ipswich's Cornhill, saw organisers promote healthy living in order to demonstrate alternative choices to smoking cannabis.

It included sports activities and live music, as well as advice on healthy eating as well as how to deal with drug problems.

Agencies including Ipswich Community Radio and Team Ipswich and Suffolk Young People's

Health Project (4YP) were on hand to highlight services and opportunities available for young people.

Tibbs Pinter, community cohesion officer at Ipswich Borough Council, said: “Our key message is about promoting alternative lifestyles to using drugs.

“If you are using cannabis you are not in yourself and not really living.

“We are providing information to ensure people are able to make an informed choice.

“There are lots of activities on offer, a whole summer of activities planned for young people.

“The great thing about the project is over the three years we have been doing it we have created debate, allowing people to come down here and have an opinion.

“We give legal advice and health information about cannabis but do not have a particular line on it.”

As well as help and advice from experts, former drug users also spoke to people about their experience of drugs and how they beat the habit.

n. Have you been affected by drugs? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk