In the first week of January, residents wanting to give up or cut down on smoking and drinking will be able to get free, professional advice at a series of roadshows to be held throughout the borough. Advice on accessing support and treatment services for drug and alcohol misuse will also be available.

Many people choose to make fundamental changes to their lifestyle in the New Year, and Hackney Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) will be there to support them with advice on smoking cessation, detoxification, and information on the free support and treatment services available to those with a history of drug and alcohol misuse.

Hackney DAAT is committed to tackling substance misuse and its consequences in Hackney, and the Council, Police and Probation Service, work alongside the NHS, Job Centre plus, the National Treatment Agency (NTA) and other statutory and voluntary organisations to support and deliver the service.

A service user says: “When I first came into treatment I thought that asking for help was a weakness, but for those who want the help, treatment really works. It saved my life and can help make a difference to others”.

Councillor Linden, Cabinet Member for Crime, Sustainability and Customer Services at Hackney Council, says: “The aim of these roadshows is to provide an opportunity to speak with professionals about the services available to help people take control of their health and well-being, and move forward with their lives”.

The first New Year’s resolution roadshow will be held at Hackney Service Centre, Hillman Street, E8 on 4 January, from 10am to 4pm. The remaining events will take place between 10am and 4pm on Wednesday 5 January at Kingsland Shopping Centre, E8; Thursday 6 January at Somerfield, Amhurst Park, N16 and Friday 7 January at Tesco, Morning Lane, E9.