A GLASGOW-based charity is urging families struggling with addiction to seek advice following a plea to declare Glasgow’s drug death rate a “public health emergency”.

Family Addiction Support Service (FASS) in Glasgow is a confidential support service for parents and adult family members affected by or concerned about a loved one’s drug or alcohol use.

Last month it was revealed that drug related deaths in Glasgow had increased by more than 40 per cent in 2018.

A government task force has been set up to tackle overdosing and will get to work later this month. Last year there were a total of 1187 drug related deaths in Scotland.

READ MORE: Drugs taskforce to meet for first time in bid to tackle record deaths

FASS was originally known as “The Glasgow Association of Family Support Groups” and was started by parents in the 1980’s who were concerned by the growing drug problems in across the city.

Two mothers started to create a patchwork quilt to commemorate loved ones who lost their battle with alcohol and drug addiction.

Those who have lost someone have been given the opportunity to add to the quilt which hangs in a meeting room of the FASS office at 123 West Street.

Lorraine McGoldrick, service manager of FASS explained more about the service.

She said: “Drug and alcohol misuse is a big problem in Scotland and can have a lasting effect on families. We are a small dedicated team made up of staff and volunteers to help those affected by it.

“We support families across Glasgow, offering a number of services including family support, kinship support and bereavement support.

“We are here to provide the right support to them to help them through this difficult time. It is a very rewarding job and you can see the difference our service makes to people’s lives.

“I started working here a year ago. I have seen the devastation that drugs and alcohol causes families.”

READ MORE: Shock images show toll of drug addiction in Glasgow

FASS offers many services to those affected by a family member’s drug or alcohol problem. Everything is strictly confidential and an opportunity to speak to someone in an informal and friendly environment about their situation.

Lorraine continued: “Over the last year we have provided over 2000 family support sessions. We will never turn anyone away and are always here to help.”

More information can be obtained from their website at https://www.fassglasgow.org/ or by contacting the office direct on – 0141 420 2050.