Public health officials issue reminder on safe drug use

North East Lincolnshire’s Public Health team are reminding people who use drugs in the area to take extra care over the bank holiday weekend.

Deputy Director of Public Health for Northern Lincolnshire, Geoff Barnes, said he wanted to remind people of some steps they can take to help keep themselves and others safe over the bank holiday weekend.

“We are doing lots of work across the region with our partners to support people who do use drugs.

“Compassionate, non-judgemental support is available from the North East Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership.

“In February, the Partnership launched a ‘click and deliver’ service for Naloxone kits, and  recovery workers have built strong relationships with people in the area to help them reduce their drug use.

“If you are a drug user, I would encourage you to take some simple steps to not only engage with these support services, but also to reduce your risk of harm.”

Advice for people using drugs:

• Avoid using alone wherever possible. Being with other people means someone can help if you become unwell.
• Make sure you and your friends have access to naloxone and know how to use it.
• If someone is unresponsive, call 999 immediately and give naloxone. More than one dose may be needed.
• Stay with the person until help arrives – emergency services are there to provide medical care, first and foremost.

Anyone who needs advice or support can contact the North East Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership, based at 76B Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby DN31 3EF, or call 01472 806890.

Signs of a potential overdose:

Unconscious or unresponsive

Light, shallow breathing, or no breathing

Loud, raspy ‘snoring’ sounds

Blue or pale fingers or lips

If someone is unwell or unresponsive, call 999 immediately.

If you need help and support with drug or alcohol use, please call the North East Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership on 01472 806890 or visit www.recoverypartnership.co.uk/nelincs.

How to get a Naloxone kit:

Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. We provide free naloxone kits to people at risk of an opioid overdose, their family and friends, and members of the public who could help prevent an overdose.

To get a kit, visit one of our hubs or order online for delivery to an address of your choice: https://www.turning-point.co.uk/…/naloxone-click-and…