A DRUG and alcohol support service has gone from strength-to-strength after helping nearly 300 people this year.

ADDvance helps people in Hartlepool who are dealing with drug and alcohol issues to get involved in projects that boost their self-esteem and help reintegrate them back into the community.

It can also help families come to terms with the effects of drugs and began a group last year to support children who are in the custody of their grandparents because of parental substance misuse.

ADDvance was set up by Sheila Hudson ten years ago after she recognised links between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and drug misuse.

Sheila Hudson said: "We have helped to support a large number of people throughout the life of ADDvance and have seen a number of successes in people’s personal and professional lives.

"People take drugs for a variety of reasons, but there is definitely a link between people’s mental health and the reasons why some might turn to drugs.

"If you can address these mental health issues then it certainly helps to address some of the drug misusing behaviour.

Angela Legg, from the Safer Hartlepool Partnership, which helps fund the scheme, said: "It is important that people are offered support so that they can work through the issues that lead them to misuse drugs."

Anyone wanting more information on ADDvance can contact Sheila Hudson on 01429-288113.