That's the opinion of one recovering alcoholic on the after-care service provided by a Blackpool charity.

"Baz", who did not want to be fully identified, has been going to ADS (Addiction Dependency Solutions, formerly Alcohol and Drug Services) on Cookson Street, Blackpool, for two years.

The service is soon to open a new building for the after-care or Phase Two service, which looks after people once they have stopped drinking or got their drinking under control. But to carry on its good work, it needs more volunteers.

Baz, 62, from Layton, realised he had an alcohol problem while on holiday with his partner and she fell ill. They came home a week into their six week holiday and she was admitted to hospital, while Baz turned to drink to drown his sorrows.

Two years ago he became a client at ADS and since then has progressed to giving up the booze and is now in after-care.

He said: "I honestly believe that I would not be sober now without the support of the service, even alive.

"It has made a big difference and it is such an important service. The volunteers play a vital role. It's their support that has helped me get through.

"I always felt safe enough to relax there. You can talk to like-minded people who also want to stay sober. It gives you encouragement to move forward."

Susan Barker has been volunteering with ADS for four-and-a-half years. She said: "I started to fill in time after retiring. It is really enjoyable, meeting and getting to know the clients, following their progress."

Shughie Morrison, after-care coordinator at ADS, said: "We're looking for anyone who wants to help. It could be someone just to come in and make tea, or to greet clients as they come through the door – walking through the door can be the hardest part and how someone is greeted can make the difference between their recovery or them going back onto that downward spiral.

Mr Morrison added: "We are soon to open our new building, which will contain facilities such as a cafe, a computer room, a games room.

"We want this to be a big success. It's about Blackpool and the people in the Blackpool community."

To volunteer, call Mr Morrison on (01253) 752100.