Start Hartlepool

15/11/2025

Worried your child might be struggling with drugs or alcohol? Start offers free support for those aged 25 and under in Hartlepool.

We can help you and your child deal with drug and alcohol use. Our team of experts are on-hand to help you deal with the repercussions of drug or alcohol use.

To find out more about how Start can help you and your family visit: https://tinyurl.com/59bwn7ap

12/11/2025

Feeling overwhelmed with school or work?

Drinking or using drugs to get through the day?

Start offers help and support to young people going through drug and alcohol use and can help you figure things out with no judgement, just support.

Click the link to find out more: https://tinyurl.com/59bwn7ap

11/11/2025

Commissioned by Hartlepool Borough Council this initiative from Recovery Connections ensures the people of Hartlepool have a strong and comprehensive recovery community with a range of options available to discuss recovery and addiction.

☕Breaking free from substance use – one cup of coffee at a time ☕

Commissioned by Hartlepool Borough Council, Recovery Connections free hot coffee bike offers a tasty cup of free, sustainably-sourced coffee in exchange for an open chat about recovery!

The bike helps to challenge stigma, raise awareness and connect people to local support in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

You can read the full piece and find out more at: https://www.hartlepool.gov.uk/news/article/155/breaking-free-from-substance-use-one-cup-of-coffee-at-a-time

10/11/2025

Did you know Start also offer drug and alcohol support to those aged 25 and under?

Start are here to help you take control, make changes and get back to feeling better.

Start offers free confidential support for anyone under 25 in Hartlepool, including support with housing, benefits, mental health and more.

Click the link to find out how Start can help you: https://tinyurl.com/59bwn7ap

09/11/2025

🕯️ Remembrance Sunday 🕯️

Today, we pause to honour the courage and sacrifice of all those who have served and continue to serve our country.

At Start, we recognise that many veterans face challenges with mental health and addiction. On this day of reflection, we stand with them in remembrance, support, and hope.

Let us never forget the bravery of those who gave so much.

07/11/2025

With Remembrance Sunday this weekend, it's the perfect time to highlight the veterans who access drug and alcohol support in our town.

We recently had the chance to speak with David, an Army veteran of 14 years, having served two tours in Afghanistan.

From a young age, David had troubles with alcohol, until he started to access support to help him get his life back.

David's story is inspiring, and a lesson to everyone that help is available when you're ready.

Read David's story in full by clicking the link below 👇
https://shorturl.at/RsBvi

06/11/2025

Meet David

A veteran of two tours in Afghanistan, David battled alcoholism for decades, shaped by a childhood surrounded by addiction and a military culture that normalised heavy drinking. His addiction cost him jobs, strained his family, and nearly took his life.

But everything changed when he walked into a veterans’ support group. From that moment, David began to rebuild his life accepting help and discovering purpose through peer mentoring and education. Today, he’s studying mental health and learning disability nursing, reconnecting with his children, and living a life filled with peace and meaning.

💬 “If you fall in love with life, life will fall right back in love with you.”

David’s story reminds us that recovery is possible—and that veterans deserve support, compassion, and community.

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

06/11/2025

Come along to our Lived Experience Forum for those in recovery, wanting to recover with a focus on recovery focused organisations and friends of recovery!

This is the perfect opportunity to discuss and promote recovery in Hartlepool to try and raise awareness of the options available such as Mutual Aid, Peer Led Groups, Lived Experience Oranisations and more.

We aim to promote the benefits of lived experience, visible recovery, and connection with a growing Recovery Community in the town.

Come along and find out more

📅Wednesday 12th November
📌10.00am - 12.00pm

03/11/2025

Recovery isn’t just about stopping drugs or alcohol — it’s about rebuilding your life.

At Start, we understand that you might need more than just treatment.

Your Recovery Coordinator will work with you to figure out what support you need, including:
🏠 Housing and tenancy support
💰 Benefits advice
📉 Debt support

We’re here to help you move forward — one step at a time.
✅ Free
✅ Confidential
✅ No judgment

Find out more: https://tinyurl.com/59bwn7ap
📲 Find out more: [insert link]

31/10/2025

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

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

✅ Free
✅ Confidential
✅ No judgment

Whether you want to cut down, stop completely, or just talk — we’re here for you.

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

30/10/2025

Join us at our new date and time for the SMART Family and Friends event!

Designed for those family members, friends, and partners who are affected by substance use. This is a space for you to receive support, discover the SMART Friends and Family 4-point programme, and share lived and living experiences.

📅Every Tuesday6:15pm - 7:45pm
📌Peoples Centre, Raby Road

To find out more please contact Billy.Knight@hartlepool.gov.uk, emma.buttriss@recoveryconnections.org.uk ,katiebage@recoveryconnections.org.uk or visit smartrecovery.org.uk/smart_family__friends

30/10/2025

A group from Start has been attending art sessions at as part of their recovery journey.

The sessions are designed to give service users the chance to unleash their creativity by creating art that can be shared around Hartlepool.

The work this group is currently producing will be displayed at the Wintertide Festival at the end of November.

Keep an eye open for more updates as their work progresses!