New drug support service welcomed by former addict
Hartlepool Borough CouncilA former heroin addict has welcomed the opening of a new £3.7m substance support service.
The New Start Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centre on Whitby Street in Hartlepool replaces a "not fit for purpose" facility which was used by some 1,400 people in 2025, Hartlepool Borough Council said.
Staff member Billy Knight, who was addicted to the class A drug for 15 years, said having good facilities was "massively important" for people who were already stigmatised.
The new centre includes 18 consultation and clinical rooms, meeting rooms and office space to deliver treatment to residents.
Knight said he worked alongside people who supported him and knew "how important" the service was.
He said there was "plenty of us who've come through treatment" and the new building would enhance the "fantastic stuff going on".
Knight added the old building was "a little bit tired" and the new build would be a "fantastic launchpad" for people trying to get through recovery.
As the ribbon was cut to officially mark the centre's opening, Gary Allen, chair of the adult services and public health committee, said it was a "significant investment in the health and well-being of the people of Hartlepool".
He said: "This centre has been many years in the making, the building before really wasn't fit for purpose and in a partnership between clinicians and service users, we've really got a really top class facility for people to come and use."
The council said more than 1,400 individuals had accessed the service in 2025 and the new building would give residents the best chance of recovery.
Allen said the new building was bigger and would bring together services from across the town.
The council said the service provided free and confidential treatment and support to help individuals regain control of their lives, regardless of the level of support required.
