North East Herts MP Oliver Heald was Guest of Honour at the Open Day for Hertsreach Letchworth Substance Misuse Service in Station Road, Letchworth Garden City on Tuesday. The service is run by Turning Point, and specialises in support and services for those with substance misuse problems. Oliver was shown around by Service Manager Neesha Chand, and Kate Phillips, County Community Safety Unit Programme Manager. Oliver was also able to meet Team Leader Sharon Rochford.
The programme is partly funded by Hertfordshire County Council and Executive Portfolio Holder County Councillor Keith Emsall was also present. Oliver was able to meet service users and discuss the group therapy and structure programmes at the Centre.
Oliver is a long-standing supporter of Turning Point, a charity which aims to help those who are vulnerable, move back towards more settled and structured lives. He was invited to visit the project in Letchworth Garden City by Chief Executive Lord Victor Adebowale, following a meeting with Oliver earlier this year.
Commenting, Oliver Heald said, “One of the most important social problems facing our society is how to tackle substance misuse and it was encouraging to see the work which Turning Point are doing in Letchworth Garden City. The service users were finding the help very useful. Every time a person turns away from drugs or alcohol abuse, there is a huge social benefit to society, as well as the individual benefits to the person concerned. I will continue to support Turning Point in its important work.”