Health and wellbeing
New animation launched to provide life-saving advice on drug safety
Published on
Walsall Council, in partnership with The Beacon – Change Grow Live, a local drug and alcohol treatment service commissioned by Public Health, has launched a new animation to encourage residents to prioritise their safety if using drugs and to seek support for alcohol and drug use in the new year.
The animation provides vital information for anyone who uses opioids or other similar drugs. Key safety advice includes going low and slow by using a smaller dose and waiting for the peak effects to pass, using with trusted friends, not mixing drugs and looking after each other.
Signs and symptoms of an overdose should also be looked out for, such as loss of consciousness, snoring, shallow or absent breathing, or blue or grey lips or fingertips. If someone overdoses, call 999 immediately and give naloxone (a lifesaving drug that reverses the effects of an overdose).
Anyone can give naloxone in an emergency and The Beacon offers free kits and training to anyone who needs it.
In Walsall, while nearly 1,000 people are already receiving support for opiate drug use, it is known that many more need support.
Beyond drug safety, the campaign encourages residents to seek support for both drug and alcohol use. The new year presents an opportunity for residents to make positive changes and access services available through The Beacon – Change Grow Live.
“ This animation is a vital resource for anyone who is using drugs such as heroin and synthetic opioids. It provides crucial information on how to stay safe and reduce the risk of overdose. I encourage everyone to watch the animation and share it with others in the community, as it could save someone’s life.
We also know that the new year can be a time when people reflect on their lives and consider making positive changes. We want to assure you that you are not alone, and our services are available to those struggling with alcohol or drugs. “
“ Drugs can be contaminated with nitazenes, a type of synthetic opioid. Synthetic opioids copy the effects of natural opioids such as heroin. They are often hundreds of times stronger than heroin and at least as potent as fentanyl. Overdoses on opioids can be dangerous and even fatal.
That’s why we have worked with the public health team at Walsall Council to have this animation created, to raise awareness about drugs and overdose and to let residents know that our doors are open to support anyone with alcohol or drug use and their recovery journey. We are also here to help increase the amount of naloxone we provide into communities. “
The animation is part of a wider campaign by Walsall Council and The Beacon – Change Grow Live to raise awareness of alcohol and drug misuse and encourage people to seek help. The campaign has included testimonials about SMART Recovery and a suite of radio adverts on Hits Radio.
You can watch the animation on YouTube.
You can get support or request free naloxone kits from The Beacon – Change Grow Live by calling 01922 669840, email thebeacon.walsall@cgl.org.uk or visit Unit 4, The Quarter, Walsall, WS1 1QU.
To find out more about The Beacon, visit the Change Grow Live website.
ENDS
Notes to editor:
- Change Grow Live (CGL) offer free and confidential advice to help you to cut down or stop drinking or taking drugs. They can also give you the advice to help you stay safe and healthy. They are based at St. Matthew’s Quarter in Walsall town centre.
- Support includes:
- structured alcohol and drug treatment intervention programmes with a keyworker and shared-care services based at GP surgeries
- criminal justice interventions
- specialist needle exchange
- blood-borne virus screening and vaccination
- harm reduction interventions
- access to mutual aid services, for example Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Family Anonymous, SMART Recovery
- Residents can refer themselves or professionals can refer clients to the service online at: https://www.changegrowlive.org/the-beacon-walsall/referrals. Under 18s should be referred.
