DRUGS CONCERNS: There is a young peoples' drug and alcohol service in Blaenau Gwent called FUSION, aimed at those aged between 11 and 24.

The two Blaenau Gwent workers are Stacey and Kirsty, who will be at the Communities First Office in the Arcade every Tuesday (from February 27) between 10am-5pm, and will offer a safe and supportive drop-in style space for you to talk about any concerns you many have around drugs and alcohol (yourself or someone else's).

You will be treated with respect, which means you will not be judged or told what to do.

The service is free and confidential.

Drinking and drug use can cause problems with health, family, relationships, work, education and social life.

Talking about your concerns with a FUSION worker can give you a chance to explore how drugs and alcohol fit into your life.

FUSION is working toward giving equality or service to all, whatever their individual needs, so for more information, telephone Freephone 0800 731 46 49 LEARN IN THE LIBRARY: Are you looking for a book to help you with your hobby, interest or studies?

Do you need information, but are not sure where you can find it? Or, would you just simply like to get to grips with the internet?

Gateways to Learning can help - just come along to Abertillery Library to find out about what's on offer. There's friendly, one-to-one support to help you find the information you need, including using the library catalogue and the internet.

You can even work towards a free Open College Network certificate - a great starting point if you are returning to learn or if you just want to update your qualifications.

Call in and ask the library staff for details, or ring them, on 01495 212332.

DIGILAB: Are you interested? . . . go along to Ebenezer Chapel's Digilab every Monday, between 4pm-6pm and every Friday, between 7pm-8.30pm.

FREE FACE PAINTING COURSE: If you always wanted to, but didn't have the confidence, then now's your chance.

Communities First is organising a face painting course lasting 2 hours over 5 weeks. Why not go along and give it a try. You'll have fun, meet new people and come away with a skill which could help you raise funds for your school, group or club.

For information, call Rachel Elston, on (01495) 354726, or e-mail: rachel.elston@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk.

HOSPICE OF THE VALLEYS: Giving Up Smoking?- If you're thinking of giving up smoking, why not quit for the Hospice?

Ask your friends and family to sponsor you or give what you would have spent on cigarettes for a week, fortnight or month to the hospice.

Telephone 01495 717277 for information, or pick up a form in one of our shops.

Wool is wanted, so please donate any unwanted wool to dedicated volunteers, who knit items for sale in our shops. Please leave wool at any of our shops.

50+ FORUM: The next meeting of the Forum will take place at Ebenezer Chapel on March 20, starting at 10.30am.Please come along to air your views and find out what's happening in the borough.

Everyone over 50 is welcome and free transport is available.Please contact Ruth Iles, Public Involvement Officer, on 01495 353877.

COMMUNITY CANVAS: Green Gym's Clive Ward has sent in the following report: The Green Gym have been appreciating the environment through art, joining community groups and partners to produce artwork suitable for going on a canvas as part of the Green Gym's third birthday celebrations.

Over the last week, winners of the Community Canvas have been working with artist Nyree Davis, from Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, to put their winning designs on a number of canvases which are to be displayed at various locations in the borough.

It has been really exciting for the winners to see their efforts become part of a larger piece of work.

Many of the Green Gym members love working with art and have been involved in many past art projects since the group was established, so it was felt to share their skills with the community in celebrating their landmark was fitting.

The Community Canvass Competition was entered by visitors to the Owl Sanctuary, one of our regular and favourite work sites, Roseheyworth Millennium School, where Gym members work closely with the school, the youth clubs at Coedcae Community Centre and St Paul's Church, in Cwmtillery.

Youngsters who attended the Yeti event in Abertillery, back in October, also had the opportunity to enter and complete their designs on a canvas.

For more information, call 07977 103856.

AREMINDER: For high quality entertainment, don't forget AAMDS' production of Anything Goes, running from Monday, March 19 to Saturday, March 24, at the Met.