A support group for the families of people with drug problems has been set up on the Blackbird Leys estate in Oxford.

The group was the brainchild of Carmel Ryan, whose 19-year-old daughter is battling heroin addiction.

Carmel Ryan outside Holy Family Church, Blackbird Leys

She became frustrated by the fact there are no agencies catering for those most hit by the knock-on effects of a family member's problems, and decided to do something about it.

The Positive Links group was launched on the estate and will meet twice a week at the estate's Holy Family Church in Cuddesdon Way on Tuesdays and Fridays between 5.30pm and 7.30pm. Initially, members will provide a sympathetic ear, but Miss Ryan is seeking donations so the group can expand its activities and provide more practical help.

Miss Ryan, 37, of Field Avenue, whose daughter is now using the heroin substitute methadone to try to beat her, said: "My daughter has been on heroin for 3 years. She, her boyfriend and I kept telling people but it just felt as if no-one was listening.

"I know there is no easy answer, but I hope this group can give us an understanding about what we can do together to support each other.

"There are so many with drug problems on this estate and there's nowhere to go to drop into."

Positive Links will use any donations to provide tsmall reats for families battered by drug addiction or to help get users in rehabilitation schemes.

The group has received £500 from the Blackbird Leys Single Regeneration Budget and £200 from the estate's Alice Smith Trust Fund, but has already had to pay out £396 to put on a creche at its meetings.

Call Miss Ryan on 01865 777358 if you can help the group.