A WEEK-LONG campaign is being launched to raise awareness of the issues surrounding substance misuse and the services available in Hartlepool.

Hartlepool Substance Misuse Week, which this year runs from November 17 to 23, is organised by Safer Hartlepool Partnership and coincides with Alcohol Awareness Week.

A number of events and activities will be taking place throughout the week, including training sessions for people who may come into contact with substance misusers.

A drop-in information event, featuring a number of stalls, is also planned for Hartlepool Borough Council staff.

On Wednesday, November 19, a resource stand will be available at Hartlepool College of Further Education for students and staff to access and collect information and resources.

While on Friday, November 21, members of the public are invited to attend a half-day-event at Summerhill Visitors Centre focusing on the issues surrounding both drugs and alcohol in Hartlepool.

Sharon Robson, Hartlepool Council’s health improvement practitioner (drugs and alcohol), said: “The event is intended to give people a feel of the services that are on offer across the town. The campaign isn’t just about substance misuse either; it’s also about the support that is on offer to families and carers as well.

“I would encourage residents to attend the half day event at Summerhill Visitors Centre. It will include a fascinating presentation about foetal alcohol spectrum disorders, which are the various permanent birth defects caused by the mother's consumption of alcohol during pregnancy.”

The campaign is supported by DISC, Lifeline, Addaction, HYPED, Harbour, Hartlepool Voluntary Development Agency, Health Watch, Thirteen Group and Balance North East.

Anyone wishing to attend the event at Summerhill Visitors Centre is asked to contact Sharon Robson on 01429 523783 or email sharon.robson@hartlepool.gov.uk