Hackney marks International Overdose Awareness Day with week of events and support for residents
Hackney Council and local partners are marking International Overdose Awareness Day (31 August) with a week of activities to raise awareness of the risks posed by increasingly dangerous drugs, provide support to residents, and remember those lost to overdose.
Latest figures show there were 5,448 drug poisoning deaths in England and Wales in 2023, the highest number since records began, with 26 of those deaths in Hackney – one of the highest in London.
Many of these deaths are linked to a rise in drug adulteration, including the presence of synthetic opioids such as nitazenes. There are also emerging concerns in the drug market around synthetic cannabinoids in THC vapes, and increasingly strong MDMA pills.
In response, Hackney’s Combating Drugs Partnership, led by Hackney Council’s Public Health team, is working with hospitals, social care, police, probation, community safety, and specialist support services to reduce drug-related harms and premature deaths.
Councillor Chris Kennedy, Hackney Council Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care, Voluntary Sector and Culture, said: “Every life lost to overdose is a tragedy that leaves families and communities devastated.
“The rise in drug adulteration makes it more important than ever that we raise awareness and support people to stay safe. Through our Combating Drugs Partnership we are committed to reducing premature deaths, tackling the root causes of substance misuse, and ensuring that anyone in Hackney who needs support knows where to turn.”
Throughout the week leading up to International Overdose Awareness Day, the Community Wellbeing Van and Hackney Harm Reduction Hub were present at locations across Hackney – including Dalston Kingsland, Ridley Road Market, and St John’s Church – providing information, support, and harm reduction materials. A Wall of Reflection on the side of the van allowed residents to leave messages of remembrance for loved ones lost to overdose.
Full van schedule can be found here: https://hackney.gov.uk/wellbeing-space
Residents are encouraged to access free, confidential services available locally, including:
- City & Hackney Recovery Service (Turning Point) – adult treatment and support for drug or alcohol use.
- Young Hackney Substance Misuse Service – support for under-25s.
- SWERVE – peer-led harm reduction, naloxone, and drug-checking support.
- Support When It Matters (SWIM) – culturally specific support for Black and Global Majority residents.
- Homerton Chemsex Service – support for LGBTQ+ residents around sexualised drug use.
For more information about services and support available in Hackney, visit: