HER Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited Brimscombe on Monday to meet trustees, staff members and clients of Stroud-based charity The Nelson Trust.

Princess Anne attended the centre at Hope Mills Business Park to mark the 30th anniversary of charity and its contribution to the wellbeing of people struggling with addiction.

Touring the centre with Sue Smith clinical manager at The Nelson Trust, the Princess Royal spoke to clients absorbed in their art and craft activities.

During the tour Ms Smith explained how rehab works and the importance of equipping clients with skills for the workplace.

She outlined how the work at the STAR (skills, training, arts and recreation) Centre helps to build self-esteem so that those struggling with addiction can achieve lasting change in their lives.

“Our aim is to empower anyone struggling with an addiction. The centre is vital when clients first come to us,” she said.

“Art therapy, music, peer mentoring, gardening, creative writing, yoga and fitness classes all help to build self-esteem.

“When they are ready to focus on the future, they can gain qualifications and learn valuable skills for the workplace.

“We couldn’t succeed without our amazing staff and volunteers who are dedicated and passionate about their work.”

During the visit Her Royal Highness sat with a group of clients and listened to how The Nelson Trust is helping them conquer their addictions.

They then headed for the conservatory where The Princess Royal learned about the causes of addiction and the many ways that The Nelson Trust’s abstinence-based treatment helps them break free.

Afterwards they went into the garden where clients grow their own fruit and vegetables.

Here Her Royal Highness met staff, trustees, supporters and volunteers who have helped The Nelson Trust make such an impact.

The Princess Royal then unveiled a plaque and Nicholas Graham, a client at The Nelson Trust, presented her with a beautiful piece of stained glass made by Russell Campbell.

Both men have benefited from the art and craft therapy at The Star Centre.

The Princess Royal, who expressed her admiration for the charity’s work during her visit, was formally welcomed by the vice lord-lieutenant for Gloucestershire, Mr Robert Bernays and was presented to the chairman of Stroud District Council, Cllr Mark Rees; chairman of Brimscombe Parish Council, Cllr Bill Harvey; chair of the Nelson Trust, Ann Buxton; chief executive of the Trust, John Trolan; and Jennifer East, Education, Training and Employment centre manager.

The Nelson Trust has been helping people fighting addiction turn their lives around for over three decades.

For more information please visit: www.nelsontrust.com/