A SERVICE that helps young people coping with addiction has changed its name.

Addaction’s young person’s service in Shropshire has changed its name to We Are With You as part of Addaction’s UK wide rebrand.

Research conducted by the charity shows that one in six people across England and Scotland have personal experience of issues with drugs, alcohol, mental health or self-harm, but millions are struggling alone. Stigma and shame are major barriers preventing people from accessing help.

Sonya Jones, service manager at Young Addaction Shropshire, said: “Our new name We Are With You better reflects our service and staff here in Shropshire, who are consistently described as warm, non-judgemental and approachable by the young people we help.

“Our research shows that language can in itself be a huge barrier to young people seeking help. As We Are With You, we will use everyday language and focus on the help we offer, not the problem. Our new name not only better reflects the ethos and history of our services, but also how we work with people as equal partners. Through changing our name to We Are With You and creating a new visual identity and website, we hope to be more accessible to people who use or might use our services.

“We will also continue to offer the same, non-judgmental, person centred support services to young people and maintain close links with all local partners and organisations across Shropshire.”

It is a free and confidential service which provides friendly, person centred support and expert advice on drugs and alcohol to young people and parents. To contact the service call 01743294700.

Addaction is a leading UK drug, alcohol and mental health charity. Each year it works with more than 100,000 people in more 120 differenone of the locations across Scotland and England.