THE community safety partnership in Hambleton is backing a Government initiative.

It is one of 60 crime and drug agencies nationwide to sign up for the Home Office's year-long project Changing Lives: Making Communities Safer.

It has also launched a groundbreaking scheme to help fight alcohol and substance misuse and addictions.

Substance misuse worker Hayley Peacock has added acupuncture to her support and needle exchange service in Thirsk, where she runs a drop-in centre.

And the ear acupuncture, which is regarded as an effective treatment for addictions when used alongside one-to-one support, is already proving a success with one man.

Alan Marsden, 41, was referred by his GP. After an accident at work, the married father-of-four had become unemployed and turned to drink to hide his depression and boredom.

He said: "After just five treatments, I saw a change. It is brilliant.

"Before I started acupuncture I was having trouble sleeping.

Now I sleep like a baby. I feel a lot more relaxed and have gone from drinking ten pints a day to two or three pints a day."

Ms Peacock said: "I have been here for 11 months, initially trying to establish just what problems exist in Hambleton and what is the best way of tackling them.

"The drop-in centre is proving very helpful for both service users and their families and friends, and the acupuncture clinic is going to be a great success."

The drop-in centre is open from 1pm to 4pm every Friday at the Middleton Building, in Thirsk market place.

All the services are free and confidential. Call Ms Peacock on 01609-0780486.