A lack of knowledge about support services hinders Nepalese people with drug, alcohol and housing problems.

That is the conclusion of support and housing group Stonham, which has launched a bid to improve communication with the Nepalese community.

Staff met 40 members of the Greater Rushmoor Nepalese Community (GRNC) at The Wavell School in Lynchford Road, North Camp.

Stonham, which runs supported housing services in Aldershot and Farnborough, launched the drive to make contact with the area’s growing Nepalese community after identifying that Nepalese people were not making use of their services.

Stonham’s Aldershot and Farnborough manager Steve Freke, who met the Nepalese group with colleague Chris Nyamunga, said the event went “superbly”.

He added: “My belief is that there is a need for supported accommodation, and we want to say we are here as and when they require us.

“Drug and alcohol issues can affect everyone and mental health issues affect all communities. It is across the board.

“In the past, the Nepalese community very much looked after each other, but they are certainly a part of the local community so it is up to us to cross bridges as well.

“We are here to offer support to the whole community.”

Stonham’s supported housing projects include a 20-bedroom property in Grosvenor Road, Aldershot, and a 38-bedroom one in Alexandra Road, North Camp.

Clients can spend up to two years receiving help from the group, which can include building up skills in independent living, before often being moved into mainstream housing association properties.

GRNC chairman Rohit Gurung said the Stonham presentation was a “very good introduction” to the kinds of services that were available.

He added: “We do have problems with drugs and alcohol but we now know that there are several ways to help people with different services.

“We hope that this knowledge will spread through the Nepalese community through word of mouth.”