´óÏó´«Ã½

Teesside University has signed a pledge reinforcing its commitment to help students recovering from addiction.

The ten-step pledge outlines how the university will remove barriers to higher education.

It was developed by Middlesbrough-based charity Recovery Connections, which said it was "delighted" the university had signed the pledge.

Teesside University said it would work to challenge stigma and ensure recovery is "celebrated".

Recovery Connections already hosts drop-in sessions online and on campus, while a Free Hot Coffee Bike provides hot drinks to students in exchange for a short chat about recovery.

The charity's Recovery-Friendly University pledge also outlines how the university will provide a hub on campus and raise awareness.

Recovery Connections CEO Dot Smith said: "Teesside was the first university in the UK to begin embedding this work into its already comprehensive mental health and wellbeing support services.

"Signing the pledge demonstrates that students in recovery are welcomed, supported, and can focus on both their studies and recovery while at the university."

If you're affected by any of the issues in this article you can find details of organisations who can help via the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Action Line.

Follow ´óÏó´«Ã½ Tees on , and . Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk, external.