David Cork Picture Ref: 25294-58DRUGLINK in Swindon has held an induction day for new volunteers.

The centre, in Victoria Road, Old Town, helps people whose lives have been affected by drugs.

The training day was held to prepare the eight new recruits for the work ahead.

Some of the helpers are ex-drug users themselves and have first-hand experiences on which to draw.

There are no specific qualifications needed to become a Druglink volunteer.

David Cork, the manager of Druglink, said: "You just need an interest in working with people and being open are the key to being a volunteer.

"There must be a period of two years before ex-drug users consider taking on work like this.

"They need to separate themselves from that life.

"Where it's not worked in the past is when people have a very specific mindset of how clients should be treated."

Mr Cork has been working in this field for 18 years.

He said: "Drug use has changed a lot.

"In Swindon there has been a strong focus over the last 10 years on the increased use of heroin.

"And there has been an increase in young people who are using the drug.

"When I first worked in this field the majority of people using heroin were aged between 30 and 40."

The service is open to anyone affected by drugs.

Mr Cork said: "It's not just for users it's for the parents, carers, friend, family, anyone who needs help."

The service can provide a detox programme and also offers health promotion, including providing clean injecting equipment and safer sex information, and counselling.

Druglink is open from 9.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

The centre is still looking for more volunteers.

Anyone interested can contact Mr Cork on 01793 610133.