£2.5m grant to tackle town drug and alcohol misuse

Work to tackle drug and alcohol addictions in Stockton is set to stepped up with a £2.5m government grant.

It is the fourth year that the council has received additional funding from the "From Harm, To Hope" Home Office strategy.

Stockton Council said the effects of addition were "far reaching" and caused "hidden harm across all walks of life".

The funding will boost and enhance services for substance misuse, treatment, recovery and support.

Providers, including the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, charities, and the council's outreach nursing service will benefit.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said council leader councillor Bob Cook had told a cabinet meeting that the way funding had been spent in previous years brought "good results".

Councillor Pauline Beall said: "We're continuing this work, broadening it as well.

"Substance misuse affects many people. It's a lot of hidden harm across all walks of life.

"It impacts on lots of lives, not just the people who have problems with substance misuse, but their families, friends and associates as well."

Beall added: "We're also trying to alleviate the criminal activity, whether it be perceived or actual, and trying to be very innovative with the monies and partnerships we've got.

"So although it's very much a drugs strategy grant, it's an improvement in people's health and wellbeing in the borough."

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