Image depicts Anne Brunozzi and Councillor Flint holding a box of naloxone.
Over 100 professionals and community members attended a half-day event this September to share ideas on tackling the growing risk of drug-related .
Anne Brunozzi, Service Manager at The Beacon and Councillor Gary Flint with a box of naloxone.
Preventing Drug-Related Deaths in Walsall, held on Tuesday 16 September at Manor Farm Community Association, brought together local statutory, voluntary, and community organisations to explore practical ways to save lives and prepare for the potential arrival of highly potent drugs in the area. It was organised in partnership with The Beacon, Walsall Council Public Health’s commissioned alcohol and drug treatment service.
Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Health and Wellbeing, opened the event by speaking about the challenges and complexity of drug-related deaths. He also highlighted the importance of a whole system approach that brings together public health, social care, housing, criminal justice, education and the voluntary and community sector to challenge stigma and ensure services are not only available but accessible.
Speakers included Cate Carmichael, Consultant in Public Health and Pete Furlong, Anne Brunozzi and Scott Lambley from Change Grow Live.
A powerful lived experience perspective was shared, describing what it was like to be on the scene when someone they knew experienced an overdose.
Throughout the morning, sessions highlighted local risks and emerging substances of concern, presented evidence-based approaches to reducing drug-related deaths and showcased current harm reduction initiatives and updates to Walsall’s drug treatment services. An educational session on naloxone, a life-saving medication which reverses opioid overdoses, also took place.
“ This event was a powerful reminder of the knowledge, resources and tools we have at our fingertips to prevent drug-related deaths and save lives. We gathered not only to reflect but to take action as a whole system. Every life matters and together we can make Walsall a safer place for everyone. “
Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Health and Wellbeing
Walsall Council
“ Bringing people together through events like this is a vital step toward saving lives. At The Beacon, we see every day how connection, compassion and practical tools like naloxone can make a real difference. We stand alongside our partners in Walsall to reduce harm and support people on their journey to recovery. “