International Overdose Awareness Day

International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31st is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, to remember without stigma those who have died from overdose, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind. 

The theme in 2023 is 'Recognising those people who go unseen” is about acknowledging people in our communities who are affected by overdose but might go unseen in the crisis.'

Overdose touches people and communities in many ways. The campaign aims to honour the people whose lives have been altered by overdose. They include the family and friends grieving the loss of a loved one; workers in healthcare and support services extending strength and compassion; or spontaneous first responders who offer help.

For more information and resources please go to International Overdose Awareness Day: 31st August - International Overdose Awareness Day (overdoseday.com)

If you or someone you know is in crisis and struggling with their mental health there are a number of services that can provide support and information:

Sussex Mental Healthline (NHS) 
Phoneline: 0800 0309 500 - Opening hours 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 

Webpage: www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/sussex-mental-healthline  

Listening support, advice, information and signposting to anyone experiencing difficulties, or who may be in crisis and in urgent need of help, with their mental health.   The service is free and can also be contacted by relatives, carers and healthcare professionals if they have a concern about someone.  

Staying Well Spaces. 

Opening hours:      Weekdays – 5.30pm to 10.30pm; Weekends – 3.30pm to 10.30pm 

The services provide out of hours psychosocial support and crisis prevention planning. This includes contacting people to build crisis plans together, increasing resilience and coping skills. Individuals can phone the service directly to self-refer when they aren't able to cope or feel they are heading towards a crisis point.  To find your local service in Sussex go to:

www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/your-mental-health/getting-help/staying-well-services

Samaritans  
Helpline: 116 123 (free from landlines and mobiles) 

Opening hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week  
Website: www.samaritans.org Email: jo@samaritans.org  

Samaritans provide a 24-hour telephone service which offers confidential, emotional support for anyone in crisis.  

Mental Health Advice and Information

You can also contact our Mental Health Advice Service for information about mental health conditions and treatments, advice on looking after your mental health and information on local services and/or carers support ring us on 01273 666950 or email us info@mindcharity.co.uk