Alcoholics and drug users in Richmond will have continued support after a new two-year contract was agreed.

The South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust (SWLSTG) and charity CRI will work together to provide drug and alcohol services under the new name Richmond Integrated and Recovery Service (RIRS).

The RIRS will provide treatment for people who have problems with drugs and alcohol, provide targeted education on the prevention of drug and alcohol-related deaths and overdose prevention and give recovery-focused health promotion advice and information on how to reduce the significant harm associated with drug and alcohol misuse.

The service will also offer risk management advice and support relating to a wide range of issues, give specialist advice and information on sexual health and contraceptives and give advice on healthy relationships with a focus on parenting.

Dr Emma Whicher, SWLSTG medical director, said: "The trust has been working in the borough for 50 years so we can draw on considerable experience of meeting the needs of people in Richmond.

"We look forward to working with CRI to build on that experience and continue evolving our work to meet the changing requirements of service users."

Councillor David Marlow, cabinet member for adults’ services, said he was delighted the deal was agreed.

Coun Marlow said: "People with drug or alcohol problems deserve first class services and the chance to get their lives back on track.

"The Richmond Integrated Recovery Service will deliver exactly that. The new service will cover assessment, treatment and support for people to become free from dependency on drugs and alcohol."

The RIRS team already have strong working relationships with organisations including Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, the police and housing associations.