International Overdose Awareness Day

Every 31st of August, International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) brings together communities from around the world to take action on overdose. The dedicated day sees communities holding events and having conversations with the aim of preventing overdose, changing legislation, and generating compassion and understanding for those needing help.

IOAD suggests these four ways of getting involved:

  1. Hold an event to remember those who have passed due to overdose, raise awareness and raise donations.
  2. Get resources by downloading campaign packs on the website and distribute amongst workplace and communal spaces.
  3. Post a tribute to a loved one on the IOAD page.
  4. Get merchandise to show your support and to raise awareness of the cause.

On the International Overdose Awareness website, you can find more information on overdose, prevention, and statistics.

In the Dyfed-Powys area, Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and Kaleidoscope Powys aim to reduce the harm caused by substance misuse. The support is offered to the service user, people close to them, and their wider community. DDAS services operate in Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion. Kaleidoscope services operate in Powys. Both also support individuals who have been arrested, up until their sentencing, to maximise the amount of people who succeed in treatment programmes.

DDAS, in collaboration with Choices Young People Service, also offer ‘Spike on a Bike’ service which provides individuals with clean injecting equipment and other harm reduction services. This is a free service, delivered straight to your door. The aim is to save lives, through reducing infection and offering overdose prevention advice.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llywelyn, says:

“These services offer amazing support and information to service users, family and friends, and the communities in the Dyfed-Powys area. I am proud to continue working alongside Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service and the amazing services they offer our communities. Thank you for your continued efforts and passion to our communities.”

 

To contact Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service:

0330 363 9997

confidential@d-das.co.uk

 

To contact Kaleidoscope Powys:

Welshpool: 01938 555922

Newtown: 01686 610 422

Llandrindod: 01597 825 102

Brecon: 01874 622 333

 

Further information:

OPCC.Communication@dyfed-powys.police.uk

Article Date: 29/08/2025