The Mayor of RCT Council paid a special visit last week to the Training and Education in Drugs and Substance misuse centre (TEDS) in Aberdare.

The Mayor, Councillor Margaret Davies, chose TEDS as one of her Mayoral Charities during her civic year because of the much needed work they carry out throughout the County Borough.

TEDS provides help and support for anyone affected by substance misuse, including the family and friends of those affected.

Cllr, Davies, visited the centre to find out more about the work they carry out. TEDS offers counselling, family support, needle exchange, detox programmes, training and education to schoolchildren and lots more.

TEDS currently employs 56 people, including nurses, qualified counsellors, teachers and substance misuse officers. The services they provide runs throughout the County Borough, operating from the Aberdare base those in need are visited in their own homes by qualified professionals.

Rhondda Cynon Taf, Mayor, Cllr Margaret Davies said: "TEDS provide an invaluable service in RCT.

"Substance misuse presents itself in so many different ways and can affect anyone, we need to work together to provide the information, engagement and reassurance that people need to accept they need help. TEDS helps people to make this decision and supports their family and friends so that they know how to deal with what may arise.”

"Since TEDS was established in 1985 the demand and need has grown over ten fold and the hospitals and clinics have found it hard to cope with the demand. TEDS has grown significantly and is helping people young and old alike in all three valleys."

Manager of TEDS, Jean Harrington, said: “It was an honour to welcome the Mayor, Cllr Davies in to the centre and show her what we do. We were delighted when we were told that she had chosen us as one of the Mayoral charities.”

TEDS is open to all, young and old, if you or someone you know would benefit from support and advice in relation to Substance Misuse please contact the centre on 01685 880090 or visit www.teds.org.uk for more information.