Dundee councillors join Hillcrest Futures to learn lifesaving naloxone skills
Dundee councillors have joined Hillcrest Futures staff and members of the public to learn how to use lifesaving naloxone as communities across Dundee, Perth and Angus marked International Overdose Awareness Day.
Councillors Nadia El-Nakla and Lynne Short visited Hillcrest Futures’ event in Dundee City Square on 31 August, where they met staff and received training in how to administer Nyxoid, a nasal form of naloxone that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
The event was one of a series organised by Hillcrest Futures to mark International Overdose Awareness Day 2026, raising awareness of overdose, remembering those who have lost their lives, and highlighting the support available to people affected by substance use.
Visitors to City Square were able to meet local support services, find out about recovery support and learn how to recognise and respond to an opioid overdose. Free naloxone training and kits were also available.
The Dundee event focused on increasing awareness of naloxone and Nyxoid, with staff providing training throughout the day to help visitors recognise the signs of overdose and respond in an emergency.
Hillcrest Futures provides accessible support for people affected by substance use, working alongside individuals to improve wellbeing, reduce harm and achieve positive change. Staff support people to access services, build connections and develop opportunities that strengthen recovery and long-term resilience.
Depute Lord Provost and Dundee City Council’s spokesperson for Alcohol & Drugs, Councillor Nadia El-Nakla, said: “Events like this are so important in raising awareness of drug and alcohol related harm and showing people that support is available. I was pleased to visit Hillcrest’s stall, chat with staff and speak with many of the other partners involved.
“It was encouraging to see so many organisations coming together to support people, challenge stigma and make a real difference in our communities.”
Councillor Lynne Short, Depute Convener of Neighbourhood, Housing & Communities, added: “When Dundee comes together as a community we can do amazing things, and today just proves that. We all need help at times, and knowing where to find that support is so important for individuals, families and the wider community. Days like today are a step towards Dundee being the Recovery City that so many of us want to see.”
The Dundee event was accompanied by an International Overdose Awareness Day event at Perth Civic Hall, which created a space for remembrance and reflection while celebrating recovery and connecting people with local support and naloxone training.
Hillcrest Futures has also been taking free naloxone training directly into communities across Angus. Sessions have taken place in Brechin and Forfar, including at a Recovery Breakfast, with further activity in Arbroath and Montrose during the week.
John Booth, Director of Hillcrest Futures, said: “Every life lost to overdose has an impact on families, friends and communities. International Overdose Awareness Day is an important chance to remember those people and, crucially, to focus on what we can do to prevent further deaths.
“Making naloxone and Nyxoid more widely available and giving people the confidence to use them is one practical way we can make a difference. Overdose prevention is also about ensuring people can access compassionate, non-judgemental support when they need it.
“Our teams see every day that positive change and recovery are possible. We want people affected by substance use, and their families, to know that support is there and that they do not have to face things alone.”
International Overdose Awareness Day takes place on 31 August each year and is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind.