A NATIONAL drug and alcohol charity is changing its name.

Addaction, which has a Borders branch based in Galashiels, has decided to change its name after a national survey found that the current name doesn't reflect the service the charity provides.

From Wednesday, February 26, Addaction will officially be known as We Are With You.

Feedback from service users said that although they received a positive response from We Are With You staff, this wasn't found in the charity's title.

Three times as many people who were surveyed supported the name change, with We Are With You being described as an "inclusive, approachable, and reassuring" title.

Along with the name change, We Are With You will also improve its website accessiblity and will introduce a new visual identity to accompany its new title.

Acting

CEO of Addaction/We Are With You, Laura Bunt said: “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.

"This could be someone who just wants some advice on staying safe or to make some small changes, through to those looking for bigger lifestyle changes or structured treatment.

“Our research shows that language around addiction can in itself be a huge barrier to 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 also better reflects the ethos and history of our services and how we work with people as equal partners.

“At a time when millions of people are experiencing issues with drugs, alcohol and mental health and often going without help, we want to make it as easy as possible for people to take the first step in getting support.

“By building our brand, we also hope to better influence the national conversation around drugs, alcohol and mental health so even more people can get the help and support that they need.”

For more information, and to access services and advice regarding alcohol, drugs and mental health before the name change, visit www.addaction.org.uk.

From February 26 the online service can be found at www.wearewithyou.org.uk