Finding a poetic way to highlight drug problems in Bognor

It is run by the Family and Friends Network, which is part of the West Sussex Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT).

It takes place at The Hub Community Centre, on the corner of Queensway and Canada Grove, from 1pm-2.30pm on Thursdays.

Writers are being urged to pen a work on how they would feel if they knew a friend or relative who misused drugs or alcohol.

The competition is open to all West Sussex residents and has three age groups '“ 12 and under, 13-18 and adults.

It will be judged by a carer of a substance user, a person in recovery from substance use and a published author.

The closing date is October 31, and prizes include a place on a creative writing course and book tokens.

Jane Brown, the network's project co-ordinator, said: "Living with a drug or alcohol user can create a lot of stress and tension. Our centres are there to offer '“ in total confidence '“ free help and advice on ways to cope.

"They underline the fact that family and friends can play an important role in helping someone to recover from their addiction."

Cllr Peter Catchpole, the West Sussex County Council cabinet member for adults' services, said: "This competition is a chance for people to express their emotions through prose and poetry.

"By sharing these emotions, they will help show people who are caring for someone who has a dependency on drugs or alcohol that they are not alone."

Entries should be emailed to [email protected] or posted to her at West Sussex DAAT, Room 215, 2nd floor, East Wing North, West Sussex County Council, County Hall, Chichester PO19 1QT.

Winning entries will be published in the Families and Friends Network quarterly newsletter and all entries will be posted on the DAAT website at www.westsussexdaat.co.uk

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