AUGUST 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day. At 10am we will gather outside the Scottish Parliament to remember loved ones, provide information on overdose response, including stimulant and opioid overdose and Naloxone - the straightforward lifesaving kit that anyone can do a simple course to administer and carry.

The first overdose prevention service or safer injection facility to have operated in Scotland will also be at the event so people can see how these facilities operate.

The main goal is to allow family and friends to mourn loved ones in public, this may be the first time for many, and they should be able to do so in safe and stigma free environment.

The National:

To make this an apolitical event we have invited a member from each political party and thankfully all have agreed, each will say just a few words in remembrance

The day will include a remembrance ceremony where messages about loved ones will be read out, a wreath will be laid, and a petal scattering will take place in the reflection pool outside the Parliament building.

We hope finally this will stimulate wider discussions around overdose and drug policy, that people will go away and reflect on how best we can all come together to deal with Scotland’s ongoing drug death crisis.

All are welcome so please come along on the day and help us celebrate the lives of those we have loved and lost, the event will start at 10am and finish at 12.30pm.