As International Overdose Awareness Day is marked across the world, Brighter Futures is highlighting the vital work being done in partnership with CDAS (Stoke-on-Trent’s Community Drug and Alcohol Service) to support people in our communities who are affected by drug use and overdose.

Every life lost to overdose is one too many. Through a strong partnership with CDAS, Brighter Futures is working to break down barriers, reduce harm, and help people access the support they need.

Together, we:

• Undertake partnership outreach with the Rough Sleepers Team to build relationships, offer advice, and help those facing homelessness to attend appointments or access treatment.
• Facilitate safe needle services at our Hub, giving people safer options and reducing potential health risks.
• Operate a weekly clinic at the Hub on Fridays where CDAS staff offer support by completing assessments, reviewing prescriptions, and supporting people in staying on track with their personalised recovery plan. 
• Attend regular partnership meetings where frontline teams come together to discuss customer wellbeing and coordinate support.
• Refer our tenants to services to begin their recovery journey, aiding their housing sustainment.
• Provide naloxone training for frontline staff, equipping our team with the skills to help save lives in the event of an opioid overdose.

Jamie Butcher, Brighter Futures resident and CDAS Service User, said:

“I have struggled through my entire life with addiction and experienced an overdose myself way back in 1998. Luckily, I was rescued by paramedics. After that, I took it upon myself to learn everything I needed to in order to save someone’s life from overdose. Personally, I believe that staff working for Brighter Futures work in a high-risk environment and are highly likely to require overdose training at some point. So working with CDAS can only be good for Brighter Futures tenants and staff alike.”

Danielle Taylor, Assertive Caseworker, said:

“I’ve seen how powerful a second chance can be. People battling addiction aren’t lost causes – they’re often just waiting for someone to believe in them when they’ve forgotten how to believe in themselves, which is why it is important to build relationships and trust. Working with CDAS means we can do more of that and keep our customers safe.” 

CDAS is there for anyone in Stoke-on-Trent affected by drugs or alcohol – whether someone is facing challenges themselves or supporting a loved one. Rather than judge, CDAS empowers people to take control of their own journey, offering open and encouraging support along the way. The service supports adults, young people, and families to get the help they deserve at a pace that works for them.

Vicki Nash, Head of Service Delivery at CDAS, said:

“International Overdose Awareness Day is a moment to remember every life lost and the families, friends, and communities forever changed by overdose. Here in Stoke-on-Trent, we know the challenges our city faces – including the stigma that too often surrounds drug and alcohol use – and how deeply these challenges can impact people’s lives. 

“Each loss is a tragedy that reminds us why the work we do together is so vital. Partnership is at the heart of saving lives – by working closely with Brighter Futures and other community services, we can reach more people, challenge stigma, reduce harm, and offer compassionate support that helps people stay safe. No one should ever feel they have to face drug and alcohol challenges alone, and together we can make sure support is there in the right place, at the right time.”

For more information, please contact: 

CDAS Contact Information

To get support from CDAS, visit scdas.org.uk or call on 01782 283 113.

CDAS provides a weekly drop-in service for adults (18+). More details can be found by visiting – https://www.scdas.org.uk/cdas-drop-in-service/ 

Brighter Futures Rough Sleepers Team

To get in touch with the Rough Sleepers Team, call 0800 970 2304. Calls are FREE from mobiles, landlines, and public phones. Lines are open 24/7

Brighter Futures Hanley Connect

Hanley Connect is a multi-purpose homeless hub based at 23 Hillcrest Street, Hanley, ST1 2AA. The hub is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and supports adults aged 18 and over in Stoke-on-Trent.