A SUPPORT group for Worcester residents battling prescription drug addictions is starting in-person meetings again following the long months of coronavirus lockdown.

Stuart Bryan set up the group to help people who, like himself, had experienced difficulty in ending their dependency on prescription drugs back in 2019.

They had been meeting in Worcester at the Quaker Friends Meeting House in Sansome Walk, but the successive lockdowns meant they had to move to an online-only system.

Mr Bryan welcomed the news that they can now meet in person again, and said the last few months had been difficult for many who value in-person support.

He said: "The group is for adults who are experiencing dependency and withdrawal from psychiatric medications and would value peer support to learn effective coping strategies and manage any difficulties they may be experiencing.

"The group started meeting in October 2019 at the Friends Meeting House in Worcester, before moving online during the first lockdown.

"The online group continues to meet weekly on Wednesday between 7 to 9pm and has attracted 16 attendees from all over the UK and has frequent guest speakers, who are experts in the field of dependency and withdrawal and also natural health.

"As well as the online group, the in-person group has started up again as lockdown restrictions have eased.

"As the group is local and only recently re-starting again, the numbers are currently low, so new members are most welcome.

"The group continues to meet at the Friends Meeting House every Monday between 10am to 12.

"We are open to changing the time and day if prospective members can't make Monday mornings.

"There is no expectation to attend every session and the group is free, but a small donation to room hire is appreciated."

The online group has no cost attached. It is not run by medically qualified people and we do not give medical advice.

Anyone interested in joining the support group can contact Stuart Bryan at stuartbryan@btinternet.com for more information.

According to UK Addiction Treatment Centres, the most commonly abused prescription medications include opiates (such as codeine, hydrocodone, morphine, fentanyl, antidepressants, insomnia/sleeping pills, weight loss pills, anti-anxiety medication (benzodiazepines, pregabalin) and ADHD medication (ritalin)