The Hub to Help Hundreds

Youngsters in Blackpool requiring support for alcohol and substance misuse can now benefit from having even more facilities to turn to with the launch of a new service specifically targeting young people battling various addictions.

Following successful promotion of the service since April, “The Hub” – a new development dedicated to young people suffering from alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs and other substance abuse – was officially launched at an opening ceremony by Lead Member for Children’s’ Services, Cllr Ivan Taylor.

The Hub is the latest in a number of initiatives instigated by BSafe Blackpool - the Blackpool Community Safety and Drugs Partnership, in conjunction with many key local agencies, in a bid to provide high quality advice and support for a diverse number of residents affected across the town.

Cllr Ivan Taylor, Lead Member for Children’s Services, said: “The Partnership has built up a series of successful services and The Hub is our latest attempt to reduce the number of young people misusing substances – identified as one of the nine priorities in the Children’s Plan for Blackpool report.”

He added: “People become involved in substance misuse for a variety of different reasons, often associated with very complicated issues.  Practitioners will work with young people, supporting them and their families to deal with their problems of substance abuse.  It is hoped that the work will be instrumental in driving down the number of young people battling addictions, especially alcohol, which in turn may see a reduction in crime.”

Paolo Pertica, Head of BSafe Blackpool, added:  “This new project will contribute to our overall effort to prevent young people from starting using substances such as alcohol, tobacco and drugs, but it will also help those who regrettably have already started using them. Working with young people in need of support is a priority for the Partnership and our hope is that we can prevent as many youngsters as possible from   becoming the problem drug users of tomorrow.”

Cllr Taylor added: ”Despite the stereotypes of a typical user there are many different people of all ages and backgrounds that find themselves embroiled in the slippery slope of substance misuse. Quite often however, people reach a turning point when they realise they may need professional help and thanks to efforts of the Council, the Primary Care Trust, the Police and other key agencies people are accessing good quality support. “

He continued: “We hope that this latest development will give youngsters in Blackpool the best opportunity to help kick their addiction once and for all and get their lives back on track. ”