An innovative programme that aims to decrease drug-related deaths, reduce stigma and promote treatment and recovery is up and running in Torbay. Torbay Council and Torbay Recovery Initiatives (TRI), the local drug and alcohol treatment service, with the support of Devon and Cornwall Police, have setup a peer-to-peer naloxone training and supply programme.
What is Naloxone?
Naloxone is a powerful medication that can reverse the effects of an overdose within minutes.
It can be given by an injection or nasally and acts within two to four minutes. It can last up to 45 minutes, providing critical time to save someone’s life before emergency services arrive.
During 2021-23, there were 22 deaths recorded related to drug use in Torbay. Due to the rise of synthetic opioids contaminating the heroin supply, there is now an increased risk of overdoses and drug-related deaths, making it more important than ever to ensure that naloxone is readily available across Torbay.
Torbay Naloxone Tribe
Trained people with experience of being dependent on drugs or alcohol, have formed a group of peers, known as the Torbay Naloxone Tribe (TNT). They act as naloxone champions and are distributing naloxone kits and providing training to others on the streets of Torbay.
The peers have been out and about in Torbay over the last few months talking to members of the public and business owners about the project and offering training. The project is supported by a number of different stakeholders and partner organisations from across Torbay, many of whom have now received training from the peers.
The project is the brainchild of George Charlton, who led the setup of the scheme in Torbay.
Impact of the Project
Since the project began at the end of January, 201 people have been trained and given a naloxone kit to take away with them by the TNT peers.
From January to April, roughly four times as many people in Torbay received a kit thanks to the work of the peers. People have been trained across a wide range of different settings and sections of the community, such as those who are street homeless, voluntary groups, and security staff working in the night-time economy.
This demonstrates the effectiveness of the peer-to-peer approach in terms of distributing this life-saving medication to a wider audience and raising awareness of how to respond to an overdose. Peers are uniquely positioned to engage with individuals who may not be in contact with traditional services, building trust and opening pathways to support. Their lived experience allows them to connect on a deeper level, which can inspire others to seek help and take steps toward recovery.
Importantly, this initiative provides an opportunity to reduce the stigma surrounding drug and alcohol use. Through the work of this project and the open conversations with members of the public, as well as professionals in a range of different settings, this project has the potential to challenge the harmful stereotypes and shift the narrative that is so often portrayed of people who use drugs. The work of the peers demonstrates that people who use drugs are individuals with strengths, compassion, and an ability to contribute meaningfully to society.
Jenny Whelband, Clinical Team Lead at Torbay Recovery Initiatives, said: “The Tribe are part of our local community and it’s awesome to see them supporting others. If you see them out and about, please stop and say hello – you might just stop for a chat or they can show you how to save a life.”
We hope that the development of further peer projects will foster greater empathy and understanding in the wider community.
How can you help prevent drug overdoses in Torbay?
- Get trained in how to administer naloxone
We are encouraging everyone in Torbay to get trained in how to use naloxone. The Tribe will happily train individuals and can also offer group training. If you, your colleagues or team would like to get trained, please contact Torbay Recovery Initiatives via:
- Email [email protected]
- Call 01803 291129
2. Supply naloxone kits to people you work with
In December 2024, a change to The Human Medicines Regulations enabled a wider range of organisations to supply naloxone without a prescription. Under these arrangements, people employed or engaged by the following can supply take home naloxone:
- medical services of the armed forces
- police forces and services
- prison services
- probation and youth justice services
- registered nurses and midwives
- pharmacists and pharmacy technicians
- registered paramedics
Torbay Public Health may have some funding to support with the cost of naloxone kits. Please contact [email protected] if you are interested in offering naloxone kits to people you work with.
