Last week I had the opportunity to visit a fantastic project in Seaham which we have been able to support thanks to funding from the Esh Group and Vardy Foundation.

We Live Here 2 is a project based on the High Street in Seaham, where children whose parents or siblings are substance abusers.

The project gives them an opportunity to come together on a weekly basis to learn about alcohol, drugs and other forms of addiction and develop friendships with young people facing similar issues.

The lively bunch were given first aid /life saving training from a qualified nurse, who showed them how to put someone into the recovery position and get help in an emergency.

Although it was disconcerting to think that the youngsters (as young as 6 or 7) may have to put this training into practice, they all had fun trying it out.

Many of our young people are facing challenges on a daily basis and we should give them as much support as we can to overcome them and credit when it is due.