Swanswell remembers those affected by substance misuse around the world
Swanswell’s joining hundreds of thousands of people around the world this month to remember the lives that have been lost as a result of substance misuse.
It’s International Remembrance Day on 21 July – an annual event to pay tribute to those who have died because of problem alcohol or drug use around the world, and to celebrate those lives that have been saved by treatment. First organised in Germany in 1998, events are now held in Sweden, Denmark, Australia, Canada and the UK.
Swanswell – a national recovery charity which wants to achieve a society free from problem alcohol and drug use – has actively marked this day since 2009, and again this year, is giving clients a chance to leave comments in a book of remembrance at all of its offices.
Special postcards are also being printed for people to leave messages that will be attached to a remembrance wall or memory tree. Some offices are also holding a coffee morning for clients.
People using services in Leicestershire and Rutland are taking part in a 5km Remembrance Walk around Loughborough on 23 July as part of the awareness raising event.
Debbie Bannigan, Swanswell’s Chief Executive, said: ‘It’s important to stop and think about the countless lives that have been lost because of problem alcohol and drug use, and International Remembrance Day plays an important part in doing that.
‘It’s also a good time to reflect on what we’re trying to achieve – a society free from problem alcohol and drug use – so that someone’s friend or family member isn’t taken away by something that, together, we can stop from happening in the first place.
‘Finally, it’s an opportunity for those worried about substance misuse to take the first step and get help from organisations such as Swanswell, so they can begin to change and be happy.’
For more information or supporting photographs, contact Stuart Goodwin:
Swanswell
Suite5, Hilton House
Corporation Street
Rugby
Warwickshire
CV21 2DN
Tel: 01788 559 422
Email: stuart.goodwin@swanswell.org
About Swanswell
At Swanswell, we believe in a society free from problem alcohol and drug use; that everyone deserves the chance to change and be happy.
We’re a market leading charity with an exciting programme of innovative new service developments and a team of committed people who are working hard to achieve our ambitions.
Swanswell has a number of offices across the country including Coventry and Warwickshire, Birmingham, Barnsley, Sandwell, Leicestershire and Rutland. Visit Swanswell at: www.swanswell.org.
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