A PARTY on the beach will take place today to celebrate people who have battled drug and alcohol addiction.

Around 150 people in recovery, their loved ones and specialist staff will attend ‘Recovery on the Beach’ at Boscombe beach.

The event, which aims to break down the stigma associated with addiction, will begin with a beach volleyball tournament from 4pm, followed by a barbecue, open mic music and entertainment.

There will be a mark of remembrance at 8.30pm with a choir and two minute silence to remember loved ones whose lives have been lost to drugs.

Kevin Tapscott, Addaction Bournemouth, said: “There are many people in this world (including a long list of famous people), through no fault of their own have gone down a road of addiction. Once you have that addiction it's a very difficult, tough and struggling place to recover from.

“Bournemouth has its fair share of people who are suffering with this illness, and that's what it is, an illness. It's not something anyone chose. It's an illness that slowly creeps up on you. But there is help and recovery is achievable.

“This illness can strike anyone, so the ‘Recovery on the Beach’ event is being held in the community to break down some of the stigma that can be associated with addiction and let others know that help is out there.

“This will be one day of the year where people can come out and support recovery, support people who are striving incredibly hard to beat this illness and support a community who know how to support each other.”

For information contact Kevin Tapscott 0779 0540 619 or Kevin.tapscott@addaction.org.uk

For local support with drug and alcohol problems, call the Bournemouth Engagement and Assessment Team (BEAT) on 01202 558855.