International Overdose Awareness Day was marked in North Ayrshire with a gathering to remember those who have been lost and those still affected.

Overdose Awareness Day is marked every year on August 31 to remember everyone that has been lost and the grief that is left behind for others.

This year, Turning Point Scotland’s North Ayrshire Prevention, Early Intervention and Recovery (PEAR) service welcomed friends and family members of those lost to drug and alcohol use to a remembrance event held last Tuesday at Irvine’s Low Green.

The drop-in event saw flowers cast into the river to commemorate the lives of those who have sadly passed away, and to stand in support with the people affected by these losses.

In 2020 there were 39 drug related deaths recorded in North Ayrshire alone, each of which have been felt by not only their family and friends, but our communities.

Turning Point Scotland’s North Ayrshire PEAR service manager, Jennifer Lang, said: “As we mark Overdose Awareness Day, we wanted to focus on working in partnership with communities and other services to ensure people not only have access to life-saving Naloxone kits, but also to wider sources of support.

“Our staff, volunteers and other partners were available at the event to provide Naloxone kits and advice to anyone who needed it.”

Jennifer added: “We also had a table with information for family and friends who have lost a loved one or who have concerns about a loved one, as well as information for individuals struggling with their own drug or alcohol use on how to access support.”

Billy Brotherston, Independent Chair of North Ayrshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership, added: “International Overdose Awareness Day reminds us of the devastation caused, all over the world, to individuals and their loved ones by drugs. This local event reminds us that people close to us all, in our own communities, are no less devastated.

“We can all do our part in addressing this by each and every one of us adopting a positive attitude towards those of our neighbours who we know are at risk, and supporting the services that can assist them towards recovery.

“North Ayrshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership will continue to work closely with partner organisations such as Turning Point Scotland to support individuals towards recovery, giving them chance to enjoy healthy and fulfilling lives with their families and within their own communities.”

Turning Point Scotland would like to thank Sunnyside Nursery in Kilwinning for kindly donating the flowers for the event.

For more information about Turning Point Scotland’s PEAR service, visit www.turningpointscotland.com/north-ayrshire-pear, call 01294 447407, or email northayrshireinfo@turningpointscotland.com