Start Hartlepool

16/04/2026

Breaking the Stigma Around Recovery

Stigma stops too many people from reaching out for help.

It creates silence, shame, and fear and it makes recovery harder than it needs to be.

At Start, we’re working every day to change that.

🌱 Recovery is nothing to be ashamed of and nobody should feel judged for asking for support.

We’re here to listen, guide and walk alongside people at every step without blame, without labels, and without pressure.

By talking openly about drug and alcohol use, we can create a community where people feel safe enough to seek help.

👉 If you or someone you love needs support, Start offers free, confidential help across Hartlepool.

Find out more at Starthartlepool.co.uk

15/04/2026

Start is here to help all Hartlepool residents, even young people!

If you're a young person struggling with drug or alcohol use, then Start is here to help you get back on your feet.

Our team is available to answer any questions you may have and ensure you receive the assistance you need.

Find out more at Starthartlepool.co.uk

14/04/2026

📣5 Reasons you should get support with Start 📣

The Start Drug and Alcohol Support Service is here for anyone who is struggling with drug or alcohol use in Hartlepool.

At Start, we provide free, confidential support for people in Hartlepool who are struggling with drugs or alcohol. Recovery is possible, and it begins with compassion.

Find out how Start can help you at starthartlepool.co.uk

13/04/2026

Don't forget tomorrow you can pop down to Start on Whitby Street and get specialist stop smoking support from 9.30am - 12pm. 👇👇

🚭Begin your smokefree journey at Start! 🚭

Did you know Hartlepool has its own specialist smoking service which helps residents quit smoking for good by providing free, friendly, and non-judgemental support.

If you’re receiving support from Start, you can see one of the stop smoking experts who can help you quit smoking. You could have a choice of stop smoking medication, carbon monoxide checks, vapes as a quitting aid and more.

Come along to Start on Tuesday 14th April, 9.30am – 12pm and speak to one of our stop smoking practitioners. Starting from the 14th sessions will take place every Tuesday for 8 weeks 👇👇👇👇

02/04/2026

🚭Begin your smokefree journey at Start! 🚭

Did you know Hartlepool has its own specialist smoking service which helps residents quit smoking for good by providing free, friendly, and non-judgemental support.

If you’re receiving support from Start, you can see one of the stop smoking experts who can help you quit smoking. You could have a choice of stop smoking medication, carbon monoxide checks, vapes as a quitting aid and more.

Come along to Start on Tuesday 14th April, 9.30am – 12pm and speak to one of our stop smoking practitioners. Starting from the 14th sessions will take place every Tuesday for 8 weeks 👇👇👇👇

01/04/2026

One week to go until Recovery Connections Lived Experience Forum!

This is a space for people with lived experience of addiction and recovery to speak honestly about what life is really like.

What is helping? What isn't? What needs to change?

Come along and have your say!

📣 Lived Experience Forum – 8th April, 1pm

If you have lived experience of addiction or recovery, this space is for you.

An honest, open forum to talk about:
✨ What’s helping
✨ What isn’t
✨ What needs to change

The people who make decisions about services need to hear from the people who actually live it.

Your voice could help make things better for the next person who walks through the door.

What people have said:
💬 "I brought up a suggestion at the last one, and it actually happened.”
💬 "I felt like what I said mattered and that I was actually listened to.”
💬 "I didn't know what to expect really, but it was really canny. I got to talk about how services have been for me.”

📍 Recovery Connections, Unit 5, Crown Buildings, Avenue Road, TS24 8BB
⏰8th April, 1pm

Your experience matters. Your voice matters.

For more information contact Katie from Recovery Connections at 07599616848.

26/03/2026

Addiction is not a choice, it’s a health condition. 💛

Stigma often stops people from seeking the help they need. When we judge, we isolate. When we support, we empower.

At Start, we provide free, confidential support for people in Hartlepool who are struggling with drugs or alcohol. Recovery is possible, and it begins with compassion.

💬 Learn more or reach out today at Starthartlepool.co.uk

25/03/2026

💭"I felt like what I said mattered and that I was actually being listened to" 💭

Do you have lived experience of drug or alcohol use? Make your voice heard and make a positive difference to the recovery community here in Hartlepool. 👇👇👇

📣 Lived Experience Forum – 8th April, 1pm

If you have lived experience of addiction or recovery, this space is for you.

An honest, open forum to talk about:
✨ What’s helping
✨ What isn’t
✨ What needs to change

The people who make decisions about services need to hear from the people who actually live it.

Your voice could help make things better for the next person who walks through the door.

What people have said:
💬 "I brought up a suggestion at the last one, and it actually happened.”
💬 "I felt like what I said mattered and that I was actually listened to.”
💬 "I didn't know what to expect really, but it was really canny. I got to talk about how services have been for me.”

📍 Recovery Connections, Unit 5, Crown Buildings, Avenue Road, TS24 8BB
⏰8th April, 1pm

Your experience matters. Your voice matters.

For more information contact Katie from Recovery Connections at 07599616848.

25/03/2026

Asking for help with drug or alcohol use can feel scary, but it doesn’t have to be.

At Start we’re here to support you through every step of your recovery journey at your pace, in your way.

✅ Free
✅ Confidential
✅ No judgment

No matter what your final goal is, we're here to help you when you feel ready.

Find out more: https://tinyurl.com/59bwn7ap

24/03/2026

What can Start do for you?

Whether you’re worried about your own drug or alcohol use, or just want to understand things better, Start is here to help with no judgement, no pressure.

👉 One‑to‑one support
👉 Help with anxiety, stress or low mood
👉 Advice on safer choices
👉 Support for families
👉 A confidential space to talk

If something’s affecting your life — even a little — you don’t have to deal with it alone.

Find out more and contact us on Starthartlepool.co.uk📣

23/03/2026

You can now start making online referrals to the Start Drug and Alcohol Service.

If you or someone you know needs support with drug or alcohol use, click the link below to complete the online referral form, and a member of the team will get in touch and discuss next steps and treatment.

Click here to complete the referral form: https://hartlepool-self.achieveservice.com/service/Drug_and_Alcohol_Referral_Form

If you’re unsure how Start can support you, please visit starthartlepool.co.uk to learn more about how we can help you on your recovery journey.

20/03/2026

We want Hartlepool residents to know that our team of experts are here to help when you might need it.

Meet Russ, one of our fantastic colleagues at Start, Drug and Alcohol Support Service!

Russ plays a vital role in keeping our community safe and informed. His work includes:
✅ Building strong relationships with GPs, A&E staff, and local services to improve health and wellbeing.
✅ Delivering harm minimisation through needle exchange, wound care packs, BBV testing, and Naloxone kits with training.
✅ Visiting hospitals and outreach locations every week to support those at risk and provide life-saving advice.

Russ says: "You can’t recover if you’re dead. My job is about education, support, and knocking down the doors of ignorance. Everyone deserves a chance to recover because we’re all human beings."

If you or someone you know needs help, Start is here for you.

Find out more at: Starthartlepool.co.uk