If you are a care leaver and are struggling with drugs or alcohol, we are here to help you make positive changes. We will support you to get the right help at the right time and make sure you have clear pathways into local treatment services.
What we can offer
You can expect:
- fast‑track referrals to local drug and alcohol services
- harm‑reduction advice, such as safer‑use information and needle exchange services
- support to attend appointments, including help with travel if needed
Our commitment to you
We take our responsibility as Corporate Parents seriously. Our aim is to provide the best outcomes for every care leaver. This includes making sure you can access the right support for substance misuse.
To learn more about the support available, speak to your Personal Adviser or our Substance Misuse Lead, Tina Fuller.
Tina can be contacted through the Leaving Care Team on 01429 284284 if you have questions or need support.
Start
We work closely with Start (Hartlepool’s drug and alcohol service) to improve access to support for care leavers. A dedicated Care Leaver Champion from Start works alongside the Leaving Care Team and is part of our wider wellbeing offer.
They provide drop‑in support, are part of our wellbeing activities, and are available at our offices to offer advice and guidance. For more information, speak to the Leaving Care Team.