#StopTheDeaths Theme 2022

Voices of Experience: Saving Lives, Driving Change

This year’s #stopthedeaths theme is Voices of Experience: Saving Lives, Driving Change. #StopTheDeaths 2022 will focus on the roles of people with current and previous experience of drug-related problems in preventing drug deaths and driving the change necessary to reduce the tragic loss of lives. 

People who have experience of problematic drug use are preventing drug deaths every day.  

People with experience are also building the capacity of naloxone programmes – getting naloxone out to people and into communities where it is most likely to be needed. 

People with experience are improving services while working and volunteering in them and delivering the services that support and treat people with drug problems to reduce the risk of drug-related deaths. 

People with experience are helping drive changes in policy, challenging stigma and ensuring their voices are not only heard, but actioned. 

We can all work to ensure that people who have current or previous experience of problematic drug use can help drive change. 

“Opening our ears, hearts and minds respects the dignity of people often forgotten or ignored within our society. Listening to those at greatest risk, listening to people who have lost friends and family can be uncomfortable, but it is necessary and vital if we are to learn the lessons, we must in order to #stopthedeaths” 

Wez Steele - Peer Naloxone Project Lead & Person Who Used Drugs 

We would love you to share YOUR experiences and YOUR voice on social media using the hashtag #StopTheDeaths