A permanent memorial honouring people who have died as a result of alcohol or substance use has been unveiled in Park Square as part of the city’s International Overdose Awareness Day event.
The gathering, organised by Forward Leeds on Friday 28 August, brought together members of the public, people with lived experience, support organisations and healthcare professionals to remember lives lost and raise awareness of overdose prevention.
Held ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day on 31 August, the event focused on what people can do if they suspect someone has overdosed and the impact of overdose on families, friends and communities.
Russell Slater, harm reduction lead at Forward Leeds, said: “Overdose continues to affect everyone in this city, but it doesn’t have to. There are effective ways to reduce risk and save lives.
“By talking openly about overdose, learning from one another, and treating everyone with kindness and respect, we will prevent needless deaths and build safer, healthier communities. This memorial serves as a reminder that every overdose death represents the loss of a person whose life mattered to family, friends and their wider community.”
A memorial and minute’s silence took place at 11am, with attendees coming together to honour those who have died. People were invited to share thoughts and memories, while others left messages on a remembrance tree throughout the day.
As part of the event, a permanent memorial was unveiled, creating a dedicated space in the city where people can remember loved ones and reflect on the human stories behind alcohol and drug-related deaths.
Alongside remembrance, the event highlighted practical actions that can help prevent future deaths. Forward Leeds’ Harm Reduction team spent the day offering advice on how to recognise the signs of an overdose, respond in an emergency and access support services.
Visitors were also able to learn how to administer naloxone, a medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose while emergency help is on its way. The team provided information on where to get naloxone free of charge across Leeds.
Throughout the event, staff and volunteers spoke with members of the public about harm reduction, shared information and resources, and encouraged people to challenge stigma surrounding drug use and overdose.
Forward Leeds thanked everyone who attended, contributed a message to the remembrance tree or took a moment to reflect during the day.
International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest annual campaign dedicated to preventing overdose, remembering those who have died and supporting people affected by drug-related harm.