BuddyUp is a new, app-based service available on Google Play and the App Store and the concept is that people who are using drugs alone can download the app and be connected to a Cranstoun member of staff (called a Supporter), with whom they can build a rescue plan, detailing where they are and how to access them in event they require emergency help after using a drug while calling the service. How this works in practice is that BuddyUp ensures that if someone uses a drug alone, a trained Cranstoun team member can remain in contact with them during and after they use drug(s) and enact their overdose rescue plan if the caller becomes unresponsive. If a caller becomes unresponsive, their rescue plan, (location (address), rescue instructions such as where to find naloxone if they have it, where to find the key, security codes, which door to use, and any additional information the caller would like to include) is revealed to the supporter. The supporter would then call the emergency services and provide the details of the rescue plan so that help can be sent to the address provided. BuddyUp is a low threshold, harm reduction service, aiming to ensure that an episode of drug use does not result in fatal overdose. It is not a treatment service or even a signposting to treatment service.

This app is therefore all about preventing avoidable, fatal overdose. In 2021, over 5000 people died in the UK from a drug death – a figure higher than fatalities on the road and knife crime combined – and by far the highest number of deaths in Europe. We believe BuddyUp is just one step towards lowering that number.

BuddyUp has begun its pilot in Sandwell, Worcestershire and the London Borough of Sutton. During the pilot, BuddyUp will run with selective hours with the ambition of having an expanded service across the UK and Republic of Ireland in the near future.

If you have any questions on the service or how it works, please contact us at buddyup@cranstoun.org.uk

Contact details for who to call for assistance.

The Sutton Men in Sheds project has grown significantly over the past few years. It provides a community space for men to connect, engage in conversation, as well as create and pursue new interests. The sessions are designed to help support men’s mental health and well-being. Advice, support and signposting facilitated by professionals are incorporated into the group sessions.

Follow the project on Facebook @SuttonMeninSheds or and Twitter @st_helier for regular updates.

The schedule for all meetings from now until the end of August is listed here.

As part of the exciting Shed loads of happiness project about what makes you happy in Sutton, there are a number of creative writing sessions for men. For more details, please look at this flyer.

Sutton Women’s Centre is looking for community members in Sutton to join its Domestic Abuse Ambassador scheme and create communities against domestic abuse. The Domestic Abuse Ambassador scheme will train community members to become Ask Me ambassadors. The training will increase your awareness of what a helpful response to domestic abuse looks like and give you the knowledge and skills to signpost people towards the specialist help they need.

For further information regarding training please take a look at this leaflet.