Start Hartlepool

11/03/2026

Today is No Smoking Day, if you need help or support to quit smoking, the Hartlepool Stop Smoking Service can help you take that first step towards a smokefree future. 👇👇👇👇

10/03/2026

Yesterday people from across Hartlepool came together at Hartlepool Art Gallery to celebrate International Women’s Day. 💜

Teams from Start, Recovery Connections, Hartlepool Community Hubs, Women’s Wellness Hub, Harbour, Community Led Inclusion Partnership, Let’s Connect, Conscious Crone and many more created a welcoming space for women to connect, learn and feel empowered.

The event included inspiring talks including sessions on self‑defence, and plenty of opportunities for women to support each other.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended and to all the partners and volunteers whose hard work made the event possible. 🌟

Together, we continue to lift women up across Hartlepool.

Hartlepool Art Gallery Recovery Connections Let's Connect Hartlepool Community Hubs Women's Health Hub Hartlepool ReLoved Clothing CLIP Project Pause Connections Community Cafe Middlesbrough

08/03/2026

🌟 Happy

Today we’re celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women and girls in our community.

If you’re struggling with drugs, alcohol or the pressure life can put on you, you’re not alone. Start is here to support you in a safe, confidential and non‑judgemental way.

💛 You deserve support.
💛 You deserve to feel safe.
💛 You deserve to thrive.

Find out how we can help ➡️ starthartlepool.co.uk

05/03/2026

Leading up to International Women's Day we want to highlight one of our fantastic volunteers, Natalie! 🌼

Natalie volunteers with Start and was even chosen to officially open the new Start Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centre.

Natalie said: "I volunteer at start as I want to make a difference to people's lives. I love learning all there is to know about the service. Working alongside the recovery coordinators, the clinical team and being out in the community with the health liaison/harm minimisation team. Everyone is so willing to teach me new things, its a wonderful team to be part of."

Start provides top quality care to residents of Hartlepool and those who volunteer within the service are an important part of that.

03/03/2026

Celebrating Sophie’s Journey 💛

This week we’re shining a light on Sophie, one of our former service users whose creativity became a powerful part of her recovery.

Sophie told us: “I’ve always loved art but got back into it whilst in active addiction. I’m now nearly over a year into recovery having completed seven months in rehab and haven’t stopped doing art. Those classes made me realise that I could still achieve good things after losing my job.”

Sophie’s story is a reminder that recovery isn’t just about stopping something it’s about rediscovering what brings you joy, rebuilding confidence and finding new ways to express yourself.

We’re so proud of how far she’s come. 💛

If you’re looking for support, Start is here to help.
➡️ starthartlepool.co.uk

02/03/2026

This week we're leading up to International Women's Day.🌼

Start is here for all women struggling with drug or alcohol use, whether you've been struggling for a while or just recently realised you might need some help.

Our team of experts are on hand in our new Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centre to help women get back on their feet.

For more information please visist starthartlepool.co.uk

27/02/2026

Free NHS Health Checks at Start 📣

Are you currently using the Start service? Or have an appointment on Tuesday 3rd March? Why not get a free NHS health check at Start to keep on top of your general health.

To book a time, simply call us on 01429 285000 or come down on the day and we’ll do our best to fit you in.

📅Tuesday 3rd March
📌Start, Whitby Street, TS24 7AB.

If you’re not sure if you’re eligible, click the link to find out https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/nhs-health-check/

26/02/2026

👇👇👇

Women’s Wellness Event coming soon! 🌼

In recognition of International Women’s Day, Hartlepool Community Hubs are excited to be bringing back the Women’s Wellness Event, a supportive space where women can come together, recharge, and celebrate each other.

Last year’s event was a huge success, with women from across the community joining us to connect, learn, and focus on their wellbeing. We’re building on that momentum to make this year’s event even more empowering.

Expect inspiring conversations, practical wellbeing activities, and a welcoming space for women of all ages.

Date: Wednesday 18th March
Time: 5pm – 8pm
Location: Community Hub South

To book a spot please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/womens-wellness-event-tickets-1983606828421?aff=oddtdtcreator

Hartlepool Community Hubs

26/02/2026

Keep an eye out for March's issue of Hartbeat magazine which will be coming through your doors soon!

In this issue you'll find a double page spread showcasing the launch of our new Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centre as well as some images from the new building.

Read the full March 2026 issue here ➡️ https://www.hartlepool.gov.uk/homepage/158/hartbeat-magazine

25/02/2026

Get online drug and alcohol support with Breaking Free Online!

Breaking Free Online is a 24/7 digital recovery programme that helps you understand and overcome the psychological and lifestyle factors behind substance use.

✔ Evidence-based
✔ Personalised and interactive
✔ Includes CBT, mindfulness, relapse prevention and more

Breaking Free Online is accessible on any device with an internet connection and includes a voiceover on every screen so it’s fully accessible.

Sign up at breakingfreeonline.com and use code hartlepool11 to get started.

24/02/2026

Did you know Start also offer drug and alcohol support to young people?

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

Start offers free confidential support for young people 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

23/02/2026

🌟5 Reasons you should get support with Start if you need it 🌟

1. It's completely free and confidential

Start offers no-cost, judgment-free support for anyone in Hartlepool who needs help with drugs or alcohol.

2. You'll get a dedicated Recovery Coordinator

Someone who works with you one-to-one to build a plan that fits your needs and your journey.

3. Support that goes beyond treatment

From reducing use to vaccinations, to signposting for wider life challenges, Start looks at the whole picture.

4. Connected to real community recovery

Through partnerships, Start has curated across Hartlepool, you can access lived experience support and community events and initiatives.

5. A welcoming space where stigma stops at the door

Start recently opened its new Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centre, a place of compassion, positivity, and hope, helping people start recovery with confidence.