Clydebank landmarks to be illuminated in aid of overdose awareness

The occasion takes place on Saturday, August 31 and will see free training sessions held to teach members of the public how to administer Naloxone, a medication which can temporarily reverse the effects of opioids.

Landmarks such as the Titan Crane will also be illuminated purple, the international colour for highlighting IOAD.

A Time to Remember Roses Ceremony will also take place at the Titan Crane at 1.30pm where a memorial service will be held for those who have died or have been affected by an overdose.

Alternatives West Dunbartonshire Community Drug Service, in partnership with Turning Point Scotland [who will deliver the Naloxone training], Clydebank Methodist Church, For All Bankies and the Serenity Family Support Group are hoping these events will contribute to creating a better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and lead to change that reduces the harms associated with drug use.

Glynis Boyle, a Therapeutic Family Worker at the project, opened up on the importance of marking the occasion. 

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"We have played a leading role in instigating this campaign in West Dunbartonshire.

"It is about connecting with people around the world and coming together to remember those who are no longer with us.

"As well as supporting individuals we also support families affected by drug addiction.

(Image: Newsquest) "We see people for who they are and help them identify the key changes they can make in their lives.

"More needs to be done and we want to encourage people to come together."

The free Naloxone training will take place in Clydebank Leisure Centre, starting with the first drop-in session at 11am, with further sessions taking place at 11.30am, 12pm and 12.30pm.

Global overdose rates have skyrocketed in the last 25 years. In 2020, an estimated 284 million people worldwide had used a drug in the past 12 months, a 26 per cent increase from 2010.

In Scotland, there were 320 suspected drug deaths between January and March 2024.

This was 8 per cent [23] higher than the previous quarter and 7 per cent [22] higher than during the same period of 2023.

Following a downward trend from early 2021 to late 2022, the rolling 12-month total of suspected drug deaths has risen over the last year.

“By coming together to remember our loved ones, we stand together to say that more needs to be done to end overdose in our community," she continued.

"It is now time to act. We encourage members of the community with lived experience to come to our events and to stand in solidarity with the men and women who have been personally affected by overdose.”