Cornwall Council chairman Mary May, from Penryn, has chosen to champion charities supporting people affected by drug or alcohol problems for the remainder of her term of office.

Addaction provides a number of high quality, effective and safe projects in Cornwall for adults, families and young people. They empower people to make positive changes and to take back control over their lives.

They ensure that children, young people and adults are firmly at the heart of what they do and why they do it.

Addaction’s YZUP service helps and supports young people who experience their own alcohol or drug issues or are affected by someone else’s.

Through a wide range of programmes, young people can access one-to-one treatment, health education, and support with mental health issues such as self-harming.

Addaction Chy is a residential rehabilitation centre in Truro that offers tailor-made recovery programmes where clients are encouraged to help each other.

When residents leave Chy they are then offered a programme of further care with extra support and guidance to help them achieve independent living.

The chairman is also supporting Bosence Farm Community based near Hayle. Bosence and Boswyns provide treatment in a tranquil environment for people to overcome their addiction and transform their lives.

The Farm has a residential rehabilitation unit and a residential detoxification unit (the only one in Cornwall) and a highly specialised and bespoke service for young people.

They have recently appointed a horticultural project manager, as Bosence Farm covers approximately 18 acres, and have ambitious plans to develop a nature reserve, add poly tunnels to grow some of their food, and open up 11 acres of wet woodland as part of a therapeutic and educational approach. They plan to work with many other local organisations who have common aims, including Duchy College.

The Chairman’s charities will be the beneficiaries of a variety of fundraising events supported by the Chairman over the next few months.

It means a great deal to both charities to obtain the support of the chairman.

James Sainsbury, Director of Operations for Addaction said: "We were thrilled to learn that Councillor May, chairman of Cornwall Council had chosen us to be one of her Chairman’s Charities.

"To know that we have this support for the vital services we deliver helping people to recover is wonderful – we are very proud of our work and this opportunity and look forward to working with the Chairman over the next few months."

Kate Cook, Chief Executive Officer at Bosence Farm said: “We are honoured to have the support of the Chairman and be chosen as one of her Chairman’s charities. Drug and alcohol addiction can touch anyone’s life and we relish this opportunity to highlight our work and let people know about the great things we achieve at Bosence.”

Councillor May said: “Both charities are run by dedicated and compassionate teams who help people make remarkable changes in their lives.

"The knock-on effect of their work runs through families and communities alike. I hope that we can raise awareness of the impact of addiction and also that there is light at the end of the tunnel for those who suffer.”