A VALUABLE community project in Okehampton is celebrating receipt of a grant towards the running of its weekly drop-in centre.

Inspiration Church of the Nations has received £2,860 from the Big Lottery Fund's Awards for All small grants programme. 

The weekly drop-in centre, Living Free, provides support and counselling for individuals with alcohol and drug addictions, to help improve their physical and mental well-being. 

It also offers support to their families.

The centre, which has been running for the last 12 months, was set up by a group of selected members from Inspiration.

The management committee includes Dr Nick Woodall from Okehampton Medical Centre, the Rev Steve Cook from All Saints Parish Church, Scott Biaggi from Bournemouth Housing Trust, Ian Samuel from Gilead Foundations, Okehampton town councillor Kay Bickley and minister of Inspiration Church, The Rev Mike Davies.

Mr Davies said the initial Living Free pilot in 2009 was funded by the Okehampton United Charities.

He said: 'Okehampton United Charities has provided a further grant of £750 for 2010.

'Some time back we decided to set up an addiction group and a few of us got together.

'We also have an addiction counsellor who takes the sessions and helps to get them through it.

'We pay for the professional counselling costs each week and we will still need additional money to pay for advertising and administration costs.

'We also need to raise money for weekly advertising.

'The drop-in centre is completely confidential and seems to be going well so far.'

The centre is also looking for extra volunteers and offers basic training sessions.

For information on opening times and dates freephone 0845 034 6404.