A GROUNDBREAKING project to support people at risk of alcohol and drug addictions is being launched in Glasgow.

Three substance misuse organisations are teaming up in a bid to help people in the city from falling into addictions as well as provide specialist support for those already battling alcohol or drug problems.

They plan to go into schools and communities and provide age-appropriate advice to people of all ages.

It is estimated there are about 13,650 problem alcohol users in Glasgow City area alone.

Some 65,000 Scottish children are estimated to live with a parent whose drinking is problematic.

In Glasgow alone, 10,000 children have a father with problem alcohol use and around 3600 have a mother with alcohol problems.

The project, which launches in September, involves Clearer Choices Glasgow, Glasgow Council on Alcohol (GCA)and Drink Wise Age Well. It is being commissioned by Glasgow City Council, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and the Big Lottery Fund.

The services will run initially for two years and will include face to face interactive engagement, training as well as social media.

Clearer Choices, which is being run by Evening Times community champion Addaction, will focus on children, young people and families in school and communities.

They hope to deliver an alcohol and drug programme in primary and secondary schools in partnership with education bosses.

GCA will look at adults in Glasgow, while Drink Wise Age Well will be focusing on older people and changing behaviours.

They will be trying to understand the needs of adults over the age of 50 across the area, rather than just targeting problem drinkers.

The aim is to provide alternative coping strategies for people at risk to try and reduce alcohol related harm.

A spokesman said: “We are delighted to have attracted additional money into the city to address addictions issues and to launch these three programmes.

“The emphasis of all three programmes is on prevention and reducing the risk of greater health problems developing in future.

“The Drink Wise Age Well programme in particular is part of a national scheme which is being rolled out across five UK cities.

“It is designed to help over 50’s who are regular drinkers to steer away from becoming problematic drinkers.”