AN ADDICTION help service which has expanded into Rose Hill has urged for people to drop in and find out more about the services it offers.

MYOX4 opened its doors in Knights Road, Blackbird Leys, last July and added a second service at Rose Hill Community Centre on March 1.

The Rose Hill hub provides drop-in sessions one day a week and refers people to the Blackbird Leys centre, which offers alcohol and abstinence-based recovery programmes. Addicts can also get advice and support every weekday.

Sean Qualter, who will lead the sessions in Rose Hill, has recently joined the team.

The 45-year-old is from the estate and was an alcoholic from the age of 13 until 25.

He said: "Rose Hill is in the same postcode; I'm from there and I am aware that there has been nothing like this on that estate for a very long time.

"It has been overlooked somewhat.

"We have spoke to a few people so far and we are settling in well: we offer free confidential, friendly advice and a cup of tea.

"People can expect to speak to a friendly face in Rose Hill.

"I know most of the people here, they trust me."

Once people get advice from Mr Qualter, who is a qualified counsellor, they can then move on to take part in the Blackbird Leys sessions.

People can call in from 2pm to 5pm every Tuesday at the community centre in Ashhurst Way where they can meet him and two other volunteers, including one who has been through the MYOX4 programme.

Mr Qualter said he had spoken to the estate's advice centre, which is based in the room next door, and hoped to work with them.

He said: "We want to show we are not just a Blackbird Leys thing but we had to start somewhere.

"I think MYOX4 is the way forward, engaging with the community on its doorstep and being very visible.

"There is a need there to engage with people who would not perhaps go to mainstream services, and with the new community centre, it's an ideal opportunity."