The Scottish Borders Alcohol and Drugs Partnership is supporting International Overdose Awareness Day 2021 by arranging for our Headquarters to be lit purple on the evening of 31 August.
International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind. The aim is for communities, families, people who use drugs, government officials, international organisations, businesses and policy makers to come together in a shared effort to reduce the tragedy of overdose.
A range of other buildings nationally will be showing their solidarity and support in a similar way - see below for more information.
In addition, We Are With You Borders peers will be at the Mac Arts Centre in Galashiels on 31 August between 12-2pm where they will be available to train members of the public in how and when to use Naloxone. There will be free ice cream and purple iced cupcakes on offer, as well as a remembrance tree which people can add personal hearts to.
Dr Tim Paterson, Chair of the Alcohol and Drugs Partnership
“International Overdose Awareness Day is a powerful reminder that we lose people in our community to preventable overdoses. These people are our sons, daughters, friends and neighbours. If you or a loved one is at risk of overdose please seek ‘Take home Naloxone’ from We Are With You (WAWY), Borders Addictions Service, or Injecting Equipment Providers in Community Pharmacies. This medication temporarily reverses the effects of an opiate overdose and is widely available to people at risk and their family members who are given training on overdose risks and how to safely administer Naloxone when they receive a supply.
“The Borders has a tremendous community spirit, so I would like to draw on that and ask you to help us tackle the stigma which can often surround drug use. We need a whole community approach with everyone putting an end to unhelpful notions of stereotypes because we know that prejudice can put off some people who use drugs from seeking support. One way you can help is by recognising that language matters – stigmatising language reinforces negative stereotypes while person-centred language focuses on the person, not their substance use.
“The more informed we are as communities, the more support we can offer those members of our community who may be more vulnerable or likely to be struggling, so please keep yourself informed via the Alcohol & Drugs Partnership website. Most importantly, if you would like support please get in touch with NHS Borders Addiction Service or We Are With You. If you are concerned about a loved one please get in touch with We Are With You or the national Scottish Families Affected by Drugs & Alcohol.”
Councillor Tom Weatherston, Executive Member for Adult Wellbeing
“The tragedy of losing a loved one to an overdose can never be underestimated, not only for the loss of a life but also for the devastating impact on those left behind. There is so much that can and should be done in terms of prevention, education and recognition and I would encourage all Borders residents to take the time to find out more about what they can do to become more aware of the support, advice and information that is out there that could potentially help them save a life.”
Support is available locally and nationally
The day is also an opportunity to highlight the range of support that is available both locally in the Borders and at a national level.
There are three direct drug and alcohol services that work across the Borders, all of whom accept self-referrals or direct referrals from agencies:
- We Are With You (01896 757843) provides support to anyone 16 or older who is concerned about their own drug or alcohol use or someone else’s.
- NHS Borders Addictions Service (01896 664430) provides support to anyone 16 or older with drug/alcohol dependency and physical/mental health needs.
- Chimes, Action for Children (01896 750173) supports children and young people affected by parental alcohol and/or drug use as well as parents and expectant parents experiencing problematic alcohol or drug use.
Scottish Families Affected by Drugs & Alcohol (SFAD) provides support to family members and friends who have been affected by the substance use of a relative or loved one. Find out more at:
The Scottish Drugs Forum’s #StopTheDeaths website is focussing this year on the role we all have in recognising and intervening when a person overdoses. They also offer a free online course on the key aspects of drug-related deaths in Scotland, how to prevent an opiate overdose and what to do in the case of witnessing one.
More information
Other buildings potentially being lit purple on 31 August include:
- St Andrew’s House, Edinburgh
- Victoria Quay, Edinburgh
- Wallace Monument, Stirling
- The Speirs Centre Chimney, Alloa
- The Kelpies, Falkirk
- Marischal College, Aberdeen City Council
- Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen
- Arria, ‘Angel of the Nauld’, Cumbernauld
- Civic Centre, Motherwell