Naloxone – the wonder drug saving lives on Torbay’s streets

Life-saving kits that could prevent deaths from drug overdoses are being used on the streets of Torbay.

An innovative programme that also aims to reduce stigma and promote treatment and recovery is up and running in the bay. Between 2021 and 2023 there were 22 drugs-related deaths in Torbay.

Consultant George Charlton, whose own life was saved by a naloxone injection following an overdose, said: “This is about us all coming together because we care about the lives of people who use drugs in Torbay.”

Torbay Council is working with treatment service Torbay Recovery Initiatives, with the support of Devon and Cornwall Police, to train people to administer naloxone, a powerful medication that can reverse the effects of an overdose within minutes.

Above: Naloxone Man. Image: Guy Henderson

Trained people with their own experience of being dependent on drugs or alcohol have formed the Torbay Naloxone Tribe (TNT), distributing kits and training other people on the streets.

Mr Charlton continued: “It’s been amazing to work in Torbay over the last few months to get the inspiring TNT peers trained up and hitting the streets to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of an overdose and how to use naloxone for the purposes of saving a life.

“Behind every addiction problem is a person deserving of love, compassion and support and this is at the heart of everything we aim to do through our peer-led naloxone project.

“Naloxone is a wonder drug, and this is a really important project for the whole Torbay community and one which everyone can play their part in by getting trained up and carrying naloxone. You never know, you may just save a life.”

Among those to have been trained is Cllr Hayley Tranter (Con, Goodrington with Roselands), who is the bay’s cabinet member for public health.

Above: Torbay councillor Hayley Tranter (right) receiving naloxone training. Image: Guy Henderson

She said: “Drug use and the risk of overdose are present in Torbay, especially due to synthetic opioids being seen more often.

“Drug use can affect anyone, regardless of age, background or social status. Getting this training could help you to save the life of a stranger or a loved one.

“If we can prevent more overdoses, we give more people the chance to recover.”

Since the project began at the end of January, 114 people have been trained and given a naloxone kit by the TNT peers.

Mr Charlton said it is important to overcome the stigma around drug use.

“Nice people take drugs,” he said. “Drug users are not monsters. They are there because of trauma or abuse in their own lives. This stigma is killing drug users.

“Every life that is lost is someone’s son, daughter, husband or wife – somebody’s somebody.”

For more information visit the Torbay Recovery Initiatives Facebook page, email tsdft.drugandaclohol@nhs.net or phone 01803 291129.