Waythrough steps up action to save lives after 25 years of Overdose Awareness Day

“No one should die from a preventable overdose,” said Waythrough CEO Paul Townsley.

As International Overdose Awareness Day marks its 25th anniversary, the national charity is increasing its own work to prevent overdose deaths while calling on people across the country to take action, carry naloxone, and help save lives.

According to ONS data, 5,565 drug related deaths were registered in 2024 – the highest number since records began in 1993.

For 25 years, International Overdose Awareness Day has brought together communities around the world to remember those who have died from overdose and to promote action that can prevent future deaths. This year’s campaign highlights a stark reality: while overdose continues to affect people and communities across the UK, these deaths are often preventable.

Waythrough CEO Paul Townsley said: “Overdose continues to affect every community in this country, but it does not have to. We know there are effective ways to reduce risk and save lives. By talking openly about overdose, learning from one another, and treating everyone with kindness and respect, we will prevent needless deaths and build safer, healthier communities.”

Waythrough recently launched a new 10-year strategy, The Way Ahead, which outlines a goal to “save a million lives and enhance a million more”. It will redouble efforts to save more lives from overdose by joining up mental ill health and substance use services, while making vital harm reduction interventions like carrying naloxone more accessible.

At the heart of Waythrough’s 2026 Overdose Awareness Day campaign is a powerful new film highlighting the life-saving impact of naloxone through compelling, real-life inspired stories. Produced with an experienced film crew and professional actors, the film uses these personal stories as part of a broader programme to increase naloxone awareness, confidence and uptake.

Filmed in Lewisham, the production is based on the experiences of someone supported by Waythrough who now volunteers as a naloxone trainer after losing friends to overdose.

The film follows her journey alongside a woman attending naloxone training for the first time. Later, she is later able to save her partner’s life thanks to the training she received. It also challenges the stigma around drug use and overdose by portraying relatable people in everyday situations. The film ends with a call to action from someone with extensive real-world experience of using naloxone, reinforcing the message that greater awareness and access to kits will save lives.

Sharing the stories behind naloxone

As part of this year’s awareness campaign, Waythrough is also inviting a range of people from different backgrounds and communities to record short videos explaining why they choose to carry naloxone.

Naloxone is a lifesaving medication that rapidly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, providing valuable time while emergency services are on their way.

The campaign, titled, ‘Why I Carry Naloxone’, aims to highlight the personal reasons people choose to carry the medication, from lived experience to the reassurance of knowing they could save someone’s life.

Raising awareness through local activities

Waythrough’s local services and teams will display a series of International Overdose Awareness Day posters in workplaces and community settings.

The resources cover:

• International Overdose Awareness Day awareness and key messages
• The signs of an overdose
• What to do if someone is experiencing an overdose
• What naloxone is and how to use it

The posters are designed not only to inform but also to spark conversations about overdose prevention, harm reduction and the role everyone can play in keeping people safe.

Remembering those we’ve lost

A central theme of International Overdose Awareness Day remains remembrance. Waythrough is encouraging people to honour the memory of anyone they know who died through overdose by leaving a tribute on the International Overdose Awareness Day website.

Many local services also have books of remembrance as well for people to sign.

The annual observance provides an opportunity not only to remember loved ones, friends and community members, but also to strengthen efforts to prevent future overdose deaths through education, awareness and compassionate support.

For more information about Waythrough International Overdose Awareness Day and campaign resources, visit www.waythrough.org.uk/ways-we-support-people/support-with-drug-use/overdose-awareness.