A new scheme to help youngsters deal with the problems of experimenting with drink and drugs is to start in the spring.
Keep it Cool will help people to handle anger or anxiety brought on by substance abuse.
The project, led by CRI Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent Young Persons Substance Misuse Service will run in three weekly sessions and will be held at venues across Caerphilly County Borough.
Designed for young people who have or are experiencing issues with drugs or alcohol, the programme looks to identify anger or anxiety issues and teach skills and exercises to cope.
Each two hour workshop session will be followed by an hour’s free fitness session, giving young people an outlet to express themselves.
Lisa Osmond, young person’s recovery worker for CRI Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent Young Person’s Substance Misuse Service, said: “We are really excited about the introduction of the Keep it Cool programme into Caerphilly.
“As a team we know it will help young people look at the reasons behind their anger and anxiety, provide coping strategies to deal with it and also provide ongoing support so they can move forward.
“It will be a project that is very much led by the needs of the young people themselves and with their input we hope to see it evolve and develop as the weeks go on.”
For more details about the Keep it Cool project for people aged between ten and 18 contact CRI Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent Young Person’s Service direct on 0808 168 7176. Alternatively contact The Wales Drug and Alcohol 24-hour helpline on 0800 6 33 55 88.