Barnsley Council highlights drugs support after heroin deaths

As investigations continue into four deaths in Barnsley thought to be linked to heroin, the council's urging anyone with addictions to seek help from specialists.

Police are continuing their investigation into the deaths from last Friday, and think one was linked to a pre-existing medical condition.

Officers say a further two incidents on Monday resulted in two people becoming "gravely ill" after taking suspected illegal substances.

Jane Helliwell, from Barnsley Council, told Hallam it's worrying, but says there is help available for those struggling with drug problems:

"Seek the support, talk about it, don't think you are on your own with it, because those services that the council and the health authority have commissioned are there specifically to help people, you're not on your own with these services; with these problems the services are out there to support you."

"When dreadful incidents like this occur then we need to give out those clear messages that it is awful it is absolutely tragic and don't get into a position where you feel you are alone with this, do take that support that we have commissioned."

Two other drug related deaths in West Yorkshire on Monday are not thought to be linked to the incidents in Barnsley but police say they're keeping an open mind as their investigation continues.

Officers are waiting for the results of detailed toxicological tests which could take some time.

Jane says they'll review their services if necessary when they find out the results of them:

"What we'll do is clearly we'll wait for what the coroners and the toxicology reports tell us - those findings may give us insight into things that we need to improve on, do differently and we'll work across the police and within our communities to make sure that we address areas where we could do things differently."

"I think that the commitment from the council, from health, is that we've commissioned those services they're in place for the next few years and if not longer term and please use them, please don't think that you are alone with this, please get in touch with DISC if you've got any concerns at all."

There's drugs support from Barnsley Recovery Steps here.