Relocation of drug and alcohol support service

The service run by Hartlepool Borough Council in partnership with Foundations, will close its existing base in Whitby Street at 5pm on Friday 4th April and begin operating from Bevan House, on the corner of Avenue Road and Lauder Street (post code TS24 8HD), from 9am on Monday 7th April.

The Whitby Street premises are to be demolished and replaced with a new larger building on the same site which is expected to open towards the end of the year.

Whilst operating from Bevan House, Start’s opening hours will remain the same – 9am-5pm on Mondays, Wednesday, Thursdays and Fridays and 9am-7pm on Tuesdays. It will also continue to operate as an open access service, allowing service users to drop in without an appointment.

Councillor Brenda Harrison, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council and Chair of the Hartlepool Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “We want to reassure people that the service provided by Start will continue unchanged during this transitional period – albeit it in a different location.

“Moving forward, the construction of new purpose-built premises in Whitby Street is a significant investment by the Council which will enable Start to provide an enhanced service.

“The new building will have a bigger footprint than the existing Whitby Street premises, and its facilities will include more consultation rooms and a group room. The increased space will enable Start to provide service users with a range of support, including one-to-one and group interventions.”

Start offers free and confidential treatment and support to help people get back on their feet, no matter what level of support is required, If getting to Start is an issue for anyone, they are asked to get in touch. The service is flexible and may be able to arrange to meet people in a variety of community settings across Hartlepool. Email hellostart@hartlepool.gov.uk or telephone (01429) 285000. For more information go to www.starthartlepool.co.uk