Stirling University Project to Reduce Stigma Around Addiction Deaths Receives New Support
A campaign initiated by Stirling University aimed at combating the stigma associated with drug and alcohol-related deaths has secured additional funding from the Scottish Government, following widespread recognition last year. The ‘See Beyond – See The Lives’ initiative showcases videos of individuals who have lost loved ones to addiction, featuring emotional readings of personal letters dedicated to the departed. Participants are encouraged to pledge to show respect and compassion towards those impacted by substance misuse. Developed in partnership with Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs (SFAD), Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP) and The Salvation Army, the campaign has garnered support from various political figures including Conservative MSP Miles Briggs and Labour MSP Monica Lennon, both of whom shared heartfelt letters to their fathers post their alcohol-related deaths.
In its second phase, the programme will conduct a series of roadshows across Scotland to further raise awareness within the community. The inaugural roadshow is set to kick off in Forth Valley in January 2025, subsequently expanding to other regions. The interactive roadshows will provide an opportunity for the public to engage with the campaign through visual and audio presentations. This initiative comes at a crucial time as recent data from the National Records for Scotland for 2023 revealed a spike in alcohol-related deaths at 1,277, the highest since 2008, alongside 1,172 drug-related deaths, marking a 12% increase from 2022. In Stirling specifically, the same data reported 17 alcohol-related deaths in 2023, with a total of 66 deaths attributed to alcohol recorded in Forth Valley. Simultaneously, the report identified 15 drug-related deaths in Stirling during the same period, with the peak of 31 deaths occurring in 2020 amidst the pandemic.
Dr. Hannah Carver, a senior lecturer in Substance Use and co-director of The Salvation Army Centre for Addiction Services and Research at the university, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response received by the See Beyond campaign, emphasizing the importance of challenging stereotypes surrounding substance use to diminish associated stigmas. Dr. Carver added that the upcoming public roadshows aim to reach audiences that may not have engaged through media coverage and extend the campaign’s impact. The Scottish Government’s backing for this next phase of the project, scheduled for an early 2025 launch, has been acknowledged with appreciation.
In summary, the Stirling University project focusing on tackling the stigma surrounding addiction-related deaths has gained momentum with fresh support from the Scottish Government. By amplifying voices of those affected and fostering compassion within communities, the initiative seeks to challenge stereotypes and reduce shame associated with substance misuse, ultimately striving towards a more empathetic society.
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Insights:
The ‘See Beyond – See The Lives’ campaign’s approach of sharing personal stories and promoting understanding and empathy is a compelling method to address the stigma surrounding addiction-related deaths. By involving various stakeholders and engaging the public through roadshows, the initiative is actively working to create a more supportive environment for individuals struggling with substance misuse issues. The collaboration with Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs and other organisations underscores the importance of collective efforts in combatting societal stigmas and fostering a culture of compassion and respect. This project serves as a model for how communities can come together to tackle challenging issues and promote positive social change.