A CAMPAIGN to raise awareness for support of people who misuse drugs in Hartlepool has been hailed a success.

Spearheaded by the Safer Hartlepool Partnership, a series of events took place across the town recently as part of National Tackling Drugs Week .

More than 500 people accessed the information and support services on offer, a rise from the 352 people who got involved last year.

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

There was also a range of activities at HYPED, the young people’s drug and alcohol service in Avenue Road, where 124 balloons were released to mark how many young people have accessed the service in the past year.

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

Angela Legg, planning & commissioning officer from the Safer Hartlepool Partnership, said: "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."

For more information visit www.saferhartlepool.co.uk