Graphic Design graduate Patrick Liddell and founder of community group Tackling Addiction, a charity which supports people with drug misuse issues, was recently featured on a BBC Tees spotlight and other news outlets to highlight the fantastic work the charity has been doing.

BBC Tees reported that the charity organises events which sees “groups of 10 to 15 people meet at ponds, lakes and rivers across the North East for kinship, support and to find something different to focus on”. The organisation is a sister project to Hartlepool’s Community Links, which sees people with lived experience of addiction support their peers.

Patrick developed the idea through a project he was working on for his degree. He said: “Tackling Addiction is an events driven charity campaign that aims to help those suffering from addiction and poor mental health by introducing them to angling. The campaign was born from my FMP in my final year of studying Graphic Design at The Northern School of Art and quickly gained traction within the local community.

“Working alongside local charity and addiction support group, Community Links, the project has gained a lot of attention over the past few months and has been covered by Radio Hartlepool, The BBC Radio Late Show, The Unfiltered Lives Podcast and featured a spot on the morning, midday and evening BBC News.”

Patrick commented further that “addiction has affected my family in the past and caused a tremendous amount of heartbreak. I don’t want anyone else to have to go through that. That was my reason for pushing this project as far as I have and the more people I can help and reach, the better.”

His charity aims to give its members a sense of direction. He added,”Tackling Addiction offers those who have been affected by addiction the chance to gain a new sense of focus, a new mindset and unlock a new way of life through a mutual love of the natural world.”

“This is achieved by hosting monthly Rig Clinics, in which participants learn all the skills they need to be successful on the bank. I have also held numerous successful fishing sessions which have received a great deal of support from the attendees and the general public.”

When asked if his skills accumulated during his degree have contributed positively to his charity he said, “I have been given the opportunity to put all the education and creative skills into practice over the past several months and begin to grow this project into something very special.”

He is currently focusing on accruing donations through making merchandise, “I am currently generating donations through the sale of sticker packs, badge sets and by placing numerous charity pots around the town. We also now have the support of more than ten local businesses. These donations will help to fund more merchandise and equipment for members of the fishing club to use on our sessions.”

If you are seeking help, would like to get involved or even volunteer then you can find Tackling Addiction on Facebook: Tackling Addiction and Instagram: @tackling_addiction.