A new drug and alcohol treatment service, which Redbridge council is funding instead of a purely abstinence-based Woodford Green recovery centre, is set to be officially opened tomorrow.

The treatment service, Redbridge Recovery and Reintegration (R3), provides advice, treatment and support to people whose lives are affected by drug and alcohol use.

Redbridge council cut its funding to Woodford Green based 1NE earlier this year in favour of the new Ilford-based service.

This move saw the unlikely partnership of comedian Russell Brand and Conservative Woodford Green MP Iain Duncan Smith calling for the service to be saved from closure.

1NE is currently still operating through donations.

The council said at the time that while it is “regrettable” it cannot fund 1NE, the new simplified treatment system will be easily accessible and offer a comprehensive range of treatments.

People can refer themselves by phone, or they can ask their doctor or another professional to refer them.

Recovery-focused treatment plans can involve one-to-one interventions including key working, cognitive behavioural therapies, structured therapy group sessions, peer support, abstinence-based day programmes or substitute prescribing.

Councillor Mark Santos, cabinet member for health, said: “We are fully committed to providing high quality drug and alcohol treatment services to our residents, and we want to ensure this vital service in the borough is as effective as possible in reducing harm and aiding their recovery.

“I’m delighted that residents will be able to access professional help and peer support help for drug and alcohol problems through a simple telephone call."

Vicky Hobart, director for public health, added: “The treatment service has been commissioned to meet the diversity of each individual’s needs, including use of more than one substance, and will operates in close liaison with other professionals including GPs, fellow drug and alcohol service providers and pharmacists while respecting the confidentiality of the client.”