On Thursday 31st August we partnered up with CGL (Cambridgeshire Drug & Alcohol Service), to mark International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) at our 451 project, a global event held each year since 2001.
Its purpose is to raise awareness of overdoses, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths and acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends. Today we remembered those who have lost their lives due to overdoses, by planting a rose in our garden, sharing food and drink, and handing out awareness packs.
The theme for International Overdose Awareness Day 2023 is “Remembering Those Who Go Unseen”. This theme highlights one of the major obstacles in ending overdose — the stigma. Stigma prevents people from seeking help for substance use disorders, and it also makes it difficult for people to talk about their loved ones who have died from overdose.
In 2021, there were 4,859 deaths related to drug poisoning in England and Wales, equivalent to a rate of 84.4 deaths per million people. – The Office of National Statistics
How does Jimmy’s help those with addiction?
- We make sure all staff members receive Naloxone training. This is a course that teaches people how to recognise the signs of an opioid overdose and administer naloxone, a medication that can reverse the overdose
- We make sure there is Naloxone available at all of our sites.
- We work with CGL to make sure any residents with addiction get the support and help they need.
- We offer a non-judgemental environment.
Matt Wiseman, Senior Housing Support Worker at Jimmy’s said.
“If you give people opportunities, a chance, and don’t judge them, that gives them a good foundation to move forward. It doesn’t always work but everyone deserves multiple chances. I went through 8 detoxes before I cracked it. If I was given up on after 3 I might not be here now, no one said to me ‘you cannot have anymore”.
