At a recent awards ceremony the SGDAS’s work with the British Red Cross in developing a community-based first aid project to help reduce the vulnerability of drug users who inject, was singled out for praise out of 76 nominees.
Learning for the injecting drug user focuses on the key skills most likely to make a difference in a crisis, such as administering first aid to another drug user experiencing an overdose. It also teaches them how to administer the drug Naloxone.
The project also provides and supports SGDAS outreach workers so they can pass on first aid skills to drug users who are unable to attend group sessions.
It is being run jointly by the local Red Cross and DHI (The Drugs & Homeless initiative), who are commissioned by SGDAS as its main provider of treatment and support services.
Matthew Wills, treatment coordinator for Safer South Gloucestershire, said: “Through this project our staff are reaching some of the most marginalised and vulnerable members of our communities and giving them skills that could make the difference between life and death.
“SGDAS has worked in partnership with the local British Red Cross on every stage and aspect of this project, from design through to delivery. The learning sessions are relaxed and take place at SGDAS premises already familiar to the learners.”
Kathryn Clements, from Wiltshire, Avon & Gloucestershire Area British Red Cross, said: “So far, we’ve provided first aid learning in CPR and the recovery position to over 100 service users.
“At least two lives were saved in the first six months of the project as a direct result of the project’s work, which is a clear demonstration of its success and impact.”
Dr Neil Kerfoot, a GP at Kingswood Health Centre who is clinical lead for South Gloucestershire, added: “I am delighted that the work SGDAS and the Red Cross has been recognised with this national award.
"We felt when embarking on this project that we would hopefully have an impact on drug related deaths within this vulnerable patient group. We are aware of our naloxone being used successfully to prevent overdose deaths and feel this award empowers us to continue providing this service in the long term.
"I would personally like to thank Trish Thompson and her harm reduction team for the evening commitment to this project.”
SGDAS plans to extend the project during the coming year to include family, friends and carers of high risk opiate injectors.
The awards ceremony took place on Saturday 7 March at the Red Cross National Assembly in Manchester.
If you or a family member need help and support, call the South Gloucestershire Drug & Alcohol Service (SGDAS) free from a landline or phone box on 0800 0733 011.
ENDS