A CAMPAIGN to raise awareness around support for drug misuse in Hartlepool has been hailed a success by local agencies.

Spearheaded by Safer Hartlepool Partnership, a series of events took place across the town last week as part of National Tackling Drugs Week in which over 500 people accessed available information and support services, a rise from the 352 people who were engaged last year.

As well as a drop-in evening at the Whitby Street Community Drugs Centre to showcase services to the community, staff also visited the Civic Centre, the People’s Centre, Job Centre, Asda and Middleton Grange Shopping Centre.

The week ended at the young people’s drug and alcohol service, HYPED, on Avenue Road, with a range of activities and the release of 124 balloons to mark how many young people have accessed the service in the past year.

HYPED works holistically with young people up to the age of 18 to provide a range of health, social and personal support for drug and alcohol misuse.

Project Leader for HYPED, Neville Flanagan, said: “The event showcased what services we offer to young people at HYPED and has helped to raise our profile as the specialist substance misuse service for young people in Hartlepool.

“The week as a whole also helped to promote and highlight all of the excellent work that is done in Hartlepool with both adults and young people.”

Angela Legg, Planning & Commissioning Officer from the Safer Hartlepool Partnership, said: “We are really pleased that we were able to reach so many people across Hartlepool to promote the services available and provide advice.

“Our feedback suggests positive outcomes in terms of people coming into treatment and support services as a result of the proactive promotions within the community during National Tackling Drugs Week.

“This week was just the start of a number of campaigns in the community that the Safer Hartlepool Partnership will be undertaking in the coming months.”

A full week of similar activities will be repeated later this year. These activities and the full campaign details will be promoted on the Safer Hartlepool Partnership website www.saferhartlepool.co.uk

For information on the services available please contact Karen Clark, Treatment Centre Manager on 01429 285000.