On 31 August, councillors Nadia El-Nakla and Lynne Short visited Hillcrest Futures’ event in Dundee City Square, where they met with staff and received training on how to administer Nyxoid. This is the nasal equivalent of naloxone which works to temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. 

The event marks one of several spearheaded by Hillcrest Futures for International Overdose Awareness Day 2026, spreading awareness of overdose, remembering people who have lost their lives, and signifying the support that is there for people who have been affected by substance use. 

City Square visitors were able to meet with local support services, learn about recovery support and learn how to recognise and deal with an opioid overdose, with free naloxone training and kits also being made available. 

The event aimed to boost awareness of naloxone and Nyxoid. Staff gave training throughout the day to help visitors identify the indicators of overdose and take action in an emergency. 

 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.”

El-Nakla added: “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, said:  “Days like today are a step towards Dundee being the Recovery City that so many of us want to see.” 

The event was accompanied by an International Overdose Awareness Day event at Perth Civic Hall, which provided an area for remembrance while celebrating recovery and connecting people with local support and training for naloxone use.

Hillcrest Futures has also been taking free naloxone training into Angus, with sessions going ahead in Brechin and Forfar. 

 John Booth, director of Hillcrest Futures, said: “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.”

Booth added: “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.”