THE DRIVING force behind the first urban music festival in Abergavenny is to launch a help and advice service for young people suffering with issues such as alcohol, drugs, bullying and depression.

Sharon Lewis, of Pandy will unveil the website BeenThereB4.co.uk at the Breakin' Out festival in Bailey Park on June 16 offering on-line support to anyone who wants it.

Miss Lewis, a voluntary worker, set up the website following her own battle with alcohol and drug addiction in the hope it will help others.

The 36 year-old, who hasn't touched alcohol or drugs for three years, struggled with dyslexia and bullying in school and turned to alcohol and later drugs as a means of coping.

Her problem spiralled out of control whilst studying at the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts when she frequented night clubs and became embroiled in the ecstasy-fuelled rave scene.

"It was one of those 'Sliding Doors' moments in my life when I could have made a different choice and gone down a completely different route," she said.

After returning to Wales she was diagnosed with depression and sought help at a mental health unit in Talygarn, Pontypool and The Priory Clinic.

"I'd lost a lot of friends and was destroying my family - my addiction took over everything. I eventually turned to Alcoholics Anonymous who gave me the support I needed and in 2009 had a moment of clarity when I realised that everything that had happened to me was my fault and no-one else was to blame."

"I want the festival to be a place where young people can listen to music in a safe environment but also to speak to experts who will be highlighting the dangers of addiction."

"If I had been given a way to cope with the bullying I'd experienced then maybe I wouldn't have started drinking, or if I had been offered more positive role models I wouldn't have turned on drugs."

"If I can stop one person going down the road I took then this will have been a success."

"I want to show people there is a way out."

Tickets are from www.breakinoutfestival.com