A NEW service has been launched which will provide treatment and support for adults in North Yorkshire with drug and alcohol dependency.

The service, entitled North Yorkshire Horizons, was officially launched on Wednesday, October 1.

The integrated substance misuse service is run by experienced voluntary sector organisations, DISC and Lifeline Project. They were awarded the contract for the work by the county council in May.

Previous to that, help was provided by many different organisations across the county. The new, single service is designed to offer coordinated assistance.

There will be a single point of contact, with service ‘hubs’ and outreach provision across the county providing localised help.

North Yorkshire County Councillor Don Mackenzie, executive member for public health, said the focus of the new service would be on helping and supporting people to recover from substance misuse.

Coun Mackenzie said: “This new service will be simpler for people to use and access. We believe that people who misuse drugs and alcohol deserve the very best evidence based help available and we are confident that North Yorkshire Horizons will provide that.”

The service can be contacted on 01723-330730.