'It’s a massive leap of faith to walk through that door'

Data from the Office for National Statistics show there were 65 drug related deaths across the conurbation, a significant increase from a recorded 45 deaths the year before.  

Jay Campbell was 14 years old when he started getting drugs for his family, he is now a team leader for local drug and alcohol charity WithYou across the conurbation.

Over the summer this year, Jay completed a 270km charity walk and now he is raising awareness for those seeking help while struggling.

He said: “I got started through having to get drugs for my family as a young man, which opened the door to the local drug dealers when I was 14 and 15, which obviously then led to me not just taking drugs, but also moving them around, which then got me into the criminal justice system.

“I was at a stage where I didn't feel that anyone would want to reach out to me, I felt that I was not capable of being saved or changing my life. I thought there was no way out.

“Luckily, the right person pointed me in the right direction and gave me some real support, and that took me into volunteering and mentoring, and then I started working within this field, and found that maybe I could effect some change.

“It’s a massive leap of faith for an individual to walk through that door, and I think we have a duty to repay that leap of faith in a really kind, empathetic and responsible manner, and that's why I love working for WithYou.

"We are here to provide support and advice in the very first instance to anybody who wants to walk in, be that a family member who's concerned, be that somebody who’s concerned about themselves.

“If you are worried, come and speak to us. We can help, we can support, and we can signpost you in the right direction.”

Simon Phillips, chief executive of WithYou, said: “Every single one of these deaths is a preventable, avoidable tragedy. Behind the numbers are real people, with family and friends grieving their loss. My thoughts are with them today."