The friends and families of people from across the north-east who have died from drug overdoses have helped to create a special display in their memory.
More than 100 people were asked to write their own messages of remembrance for their lost loved ones on little wooden hearts as part of a project by the Aberdeen-based charity Alcohol and Drugs Action (ADA).
From simple children’s drawings to emotional messages from parents who lost their sons and daughters, the memorial, situated just outside the charity’s base on Hadden Street, was created to mark International Overdose Day last Thursday, as part of an annual campaign seeking to highlight the dangers of overdosing.
Simon Pringle, service manager for ADA, said the display of hearts provided a therapeutic way for relatives of those who have died to handle their grief, and meet others who have gone through similar experiences.
He said: “The idea came from one of our service users.
“We were having a discussion about how best to mark the day, and they suggested it would be nice to ask folk to write messages on these hearts to show that those who have lost their lives through substance use haven’t been forgotten.
“We also tied it in with practical information, such as things you can do to help people avoid an overdose.
“It was nice for everyone to have an opportunity to take some time to remember those we have lost, and therapeutic for people to meet others they, unfortunately, share similar stories with.”
One of the women that ADA supports, who has chosen to remain anonymous, admitted that, without the support of the charity, she feared she could have become one of the names on the hearts.
And another who has been assisted by ADA, said that anyone having trouble with drug use should reach out to the charity and avoid becoming one of the names on the wooden hearts.
She added: “I was isolated when I came off drugs. It was really nerve-wracking to go along to something at first, but they are brilliant services, they helped motivate me and I learned to trust other people again.
“I want to shout out that recovery is possible. Everybody’s recovery is different, but it’s possible for everyone.”
To find out more about the charity, visit www.alcoholanddrugsaction.co.uk
