A service aimed at young people impacted by a family member with an addiction is being brought to Renfrewshire.

The Routes programme, run by Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs (SFAD), currently offers support through one-to-one and group therapy to people aged between 12 and 26 in East and West Dunbartonshire.

The charity has now announced it will partner with other organisations in six different local authorities to allow for expansion, along with £4million of funding from the Scottish Government.

Action for Children will roll out the programme in Renfrewshire, with East Lothian, Falkirk, north Aberdeenshire, North Lanarkshire and Orkney also now set to benefit from the service.

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Renfrewshire North and West MSP Natalie Don welcomed the expansion of the Routes programme.

She told The Gazette: "Young people living with a loved one who is using substances need to feel like they are not alone. 

"It is important that that they have an opportunity to share their experiences, learn more about substance use, and explore how they can achieve their own goals.

"I welcome the Scottish Government’s understanding that they must not only help people who are facing problems with drugs, but also their family members. 

"I am pleased that this funding will allow more young people in Renfrewshire to access this vital support.”

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Justina Murray, chief executive of SFAD, added: "We are delighted to see our Routes model expand across Scotland through this new partnership with six fantastic partner organisations, supported by the Scottish Government's Whole Family Wellbeing Fund.

"A key part of Routes’s success has been the involvement of young people from the start – they have shaped every aspect of our initial Routes programme in East and West Dunbartonshire, and remain at the heart of this new national rollout.

"Our Routes young people are the most enthusiastic, creative and ambitious ambassadors for the programme’s life-changing impact.

"Grow Your Own Routes will allow us to learn how this youth work model can support young people affected by family alcohol and drug use across urban, rural and island communities from Orkney to East Lothian, and from small to large organisations."