MP Jim Fitzpatrick is visiting the Salvation Army’s detox centre at lunchtime today (Mon) in his constituency in London’s deprived East End to see how drug addicts and alcoholics are being treated.

It is part of an ‘open day’ at the charity’s Greige House and Riverside House complex in Limehouse.

The Poplar & Limehouse MP is meeting men and women who are battling to regain their lives.

He will also meet staff and see for himself what techniques the charity uses to help addicts come off alcohol and drugs, under the supervision of medically-qualified staff.

The manager of Greig House, Gabriella Ndenecho-Galateo, said: “We look forward to showing the MP how the Salvation Army works professionally with addicts so that they can get back to a life free from dependency on alcohol or drugs.”

Greig House is a detox centre with 20 places for men and women, while Riverside House has 31 places for homeless men recovering from addictions.

The Salvation Army runs 70 ‘Lifehouses’ throughout the British Isles where 3,500 people stay each night.

Lifehouses focus on helping men and women rebuild confidence, learn skills, improve their job prospects and get a home of their own.

They offer training and rehabilitation as well as temporary accommodation to help them get back into mainstream society.