Our service in Medway have worked with local partners to implement a peer to peer naloxone distribution service. Medway HOPE are a peer led group that was established in 2021 with the help of George Charlton. The peers provide Naloxone Training and kits across Medway to ensure as many people as possible can render aid if someone is in opiate overdose. The peers are also trained in drug litter picking and are fully equipped to clear drug litter safely to reduce the risk to the public. Medway HOPE have been active for nearly 2 years and a has been instrumental in saving lives.

‘I have been with Medway Hope now for nearly 2 years, we go out on the streets and to other agencies to train people in using Naloxone and hand out as many kits as we can. This is the first time in my life that I have ever had confidence to speak in front of people, I used to truant from school to get out of speaking in front of the class. I felt extremely anxious in the run up to delivering my first naloxone training with strangers and had thoughts to walk away, but with the support from my fellow peers and the Open Road staff, I managed to get through it! We had the chance to speak at the DDN conference last year and this has given me a major boost in confidence and has improved relationships with my family members – they are immensely proud of me. Being part of Medway Hope and presenting at the DDN conference has changed my life and has given me a reason to get up in the morning. I feel hopeful and excited about my future!’

Matt Edney