A north-east town is being offered the chance to speak with members of a charity which helps men and women overcome addiction.
Teen Challenge North East Scotland will be visiting Banff on October 12 to provide help and listen to people struggling with various problems.
Relatives and friends are also welcome to talk to the team if they know someone battling with drug or alcohol addiction.
The charity operates two residential support centres: a men’s facility near Fyvie named Sunnybrae and a woman’s recovery refuge, Benaiah, near Mintlaw.
Both are rural retreats offering those suffering from substance misuse a chance to rebuild their lives using faith.
Individuals participating in the programme take part in a balanced mix of class-based studies, counselling sessions, personal reflection, work duties and recreation.
Stephen Burns, from Aberdeen, recently graduated from the Teen Challenge programme and said he would encourage others to speak to the team or ask for help next week.
Mr Burns added: “I tried numerous other ways to break free from drugs but nothing worked. 20 years of drug addiction stripped me of dignity, finance and relationships.
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“Then, after reading the story of someone who had previously graduated the programme in the newspaper, I entered Teen Challenge myself.
“Through finding faith and applying the principles of the Bible, I have turned my life around.
“I now have a life that my family and I can be proud of and I personally encourage anyone who is serious about changing their life to head along to speak to the team in Banff.”
Locals will also have the opportunity to support the charity by purchasing tickets to win a Triumph Bobber.
Gordon Cruden, area manager said their principal aim was to reach out to those hurting.
He added: “We can help to provide hope, support and encouragement that their situations can change.
“There are already organisations and churches doing great work helping men and women in the town.
“We simply want to further bolster these efforts to see people find true freedom and fulfil their potential in life.
“We’d encourage anyone in need of assistance – or family members of anyone in addiction – to come along for a chat.”
The group will be at Banff Tesco on Camelite Street from 9am to 5pm.
For further information on Teen Challenge North East Scotland, please visit www.tcns.org.uk.
