A CHARITY which is battling against Swindon's growing drug problem has made an urgent appeal for volunteers.

Druglink, based in Victoria Road, Old Town, currently has just two volunteers to help look after its duty office and act as a first point of contact for clients.

The organisation needs five new volunteers, who will be given full training.

Manager David Cork said the death of 16-year-old Kate Walsh from a suspected overdose earlier this month was a tragic reminder of the need to support addicts.

He said: "Kate's death highlights the need for organisations like ours and the need for the local community to be involved with the work we do.

"The volunteers need to be fairly mature in outlook, and we find people who are a little older, say in their 30s, are most suited to the role. They also need to be interested in people.

"Being a volunteer is very rewarding, and good experience for anyone wanting to work in the field of drug treatment.

"Around four members of our staff started off as volunteers."

Volunteers on the duty team provide advice to addicts and handle inquiries.

They need to be able to spare either half or a full day a week.

They are also trained to run the needle exchange and carry out urine tests.

First aid training is also given, and they are taught how to deal with overdoses.

Each volunteer has their own supervisor, who provides on-going support.

Anyone interested in helping out should attend an induction meeting on February 18 at 6.15pm at Druglink.

A training programme starts on February 28.

Druglink is struggling to cope with increasing Class A drug use in Swindon. Police say there are currently around 3,000 heroin and crack cocaine addicts in the town.

The number of addicts seeking help at Druglink is rising each year.

Last year, 5,250 clients were helped with counselling and rehabilitation courses. Every day, around 40 clients are treated there.

Anyone wanting to attend the induction can call Mr Cork on 01793 610133.

Tamash Lal