Gaywood memorial service for those affected by substance misuse will be a first

A church service will be held at Lynn next month to bring together families and individuals whose lives have been touched by substance misuse and its effects.

It will take place at St Faith's. Gaywood, on Sunday, November 14 at 4pm and will include candlelighting in memory of lost loved ones.

There have been similar thanksgiving and memorial services at Norwich but this will be a first for West Norfolk.

Organiser Valerie Goodman, 72, attended the most recent one at Norwich and felt it was important for something similar to be arranged at Lynn.

After moving to Lynn with husband Clifford five years ago,Valerie became a volunteer with the Change Grow Live addiction and substance abuse support service and has worked with the Matthew Project and Purfleet Trust which see the fall-out effects of addiction including mental illness and homelessness.

"People from around here couldn't get to a service at Norwich if they tried," she said. "I felt it was necessary a service should be held here and the Rev Karlene Kerr agreed for it to go ahead at St Faith's.

"I know people who have lost children and friends as a result of substance abuse, including through suicide, and this will be for them."