SCOTTISH Borders Council (SBC) will be lit purple tomorrow (August 31) as part of International Overdose Awareness Day.

The aim of International Overdose Awareness Day is to work towards ending overdoses, remember without stigma those who have died, and to acknowledge the families which have lost loved ones.

In addition to SBC headquarters turning purple, peers from We Are With You Borders will be at the MacArts Centre in Galashiels tomorrow from 12-2pm where they will help train people in how and when to use Naloxone – a medicine which can reverse an opiate overdose.

Free ice-cream and purple cupcakes will also be available, as well as a remembrance tree.

Dr Tim Paterson, chair of the Alcohol and Drugs Partnership, said: “International Overdose Awareness Day is a powerful reminder that we lose people in our community to preventable overdoses. These people are our sons, daughters, friends and neighbours. 
"If you or a loved one is at risk of overdose please seek ‘Take home Naloxone’ from We Are With You (WAWY), Borders Addictions Service, or Injecting Equipment Providers in Community Pharmacies. 

"This medication temporarily reverses the effects of an opiate overdose and is widely available to people at risk and their family members who are given training on overdose risks and how to safely administer Naloxone when they receive a supply.

“The Borders has a tremendous community spirit, so I would like to draw on that and ask you to help us tackle the stigma which can often surround drug use. 

"We need a whole community approach with everyone putting an end to unhelpful notions of stereotypes because we know that prejudice can put off some people who use drugs from seeking support. 

"One way you can help is by recognising that language matters – stigmatising language reinforces negative stereotypes while person-centred language focuses on the person, not their substance use.

“The more informed we are as communities, the more support we can offer those members of our community who may be more vulnerable or likely to be struggling, so please keep yourself informed via the Alcohol & Drugs Partnership website. 

"Most importantly, if you would like support please get in touch with NHS Borders Addiction Service or We Are With You. 

"If you are concerned about a loved one please get in touch with We Are With You or the national Scottish Families Affected by Drugs & Alcohol.”

In the Borders there are three organisations who can offer support to those affected by drugs.

We Are With You (01896 757843) provides support to anyone 16 or older who is concerned about their own drug or alcohol use or someone else’s

NHS Borders Addiction Service (01896 664430) provides support to anyone 16 or older with drug/alcohol dependency and physical/mental health needs

Chimes, Action for Children (01896 750173) supports children and young people affected by parental alcohol and/or drug use as well as parents and expectant parents experiencing problematic alcohol or drug use

Scottish Families Affected by Drugs & Alcohol (SFAD) is a national organisation which supports families and friends affected by substance use.

For more information on International Overdose Awareness Day, visit: www.overdoseday.com