Drink and Drugs News October 2016 | Page 7

.RECOVERY MONTH...OVERdOsE awaRENEss... Read the reports, see the pictures: ‘As austerity continues... the state can no longer guarantee effective, high quality treatment for all and we are hearing of funding cuts to services in England of up to 40 per cent. There has never been a more important time for recovery communities to stand up, speak out and become politically engaged. ’ active recovery in community and family structures. Health professionals from across services came to deliver information on cancer awareness, smoking cessation and healthier eating, as well as offering prizes. There were activities for the children – although everyone let their inner child play out on the day! Competitors took part in canoeing, climbing and many other events on giant inflatable arenas at the local activity centre. Teams of ten from all parts of Yorkshire and Lancashire entered events throughout the day, creating a spirit of competition combined with support. The weather was fantastic, which drew in the local crowds to cheer everyone on. There was music and live entertainment throughout, with an amazing festival of colour at midday, involving all the teams. Money from the day was raised for the Aurora cancer charity and presented to them at the New Beginnings open day and graduation on 28 September. Stuart Green and Neil Firbank, Aspire, www.aspire.community ‘NALOXONE SAVES LIVES’: OD AWARENESS DAY DRUG FATALITIES HAVE OVERTAKEN FATALITIES DUE TO ROAD ACCIDENTS FOR THE FIRST TIME, representing a public health issue of growing proportions. In response to this, and to International Overdose Awareness Day on 31 August, we held three events in Greater Manchester, with a particular focus on raising www.drinkanddrugsnews.com awareness that naloxone saves lives. An awareness event in HMP Manchester saw 25 inmates with a history of opioid use take part in animated discussions. All participants signed up for training on naloxone and will as