HOMELESSNESS charity ALABARÉ is campaigning to widen access to a life-saving drug that can reverse opioid overdoses, warning the move could save thousands of lives.

ALABARÉ is backing a government consultation that could allow homelessness services to supply naloxone without a prescription.

Naloxone is used as an antidote to opioid overdoses caused by substances such as heroin, methadone, morphine, nitazenes and fentanyl.

During an overdose, a person’s breathing can slow dramatically or stop completely.

The drug, which can be given by injection or nasal spray, works by rapidly reversing those effects.

Currently, only certain professionals, including pharmacists, registered nurses, paramedics, emergency services and drug treatment services, can supply naloxone without a prescription.

The consultation proposes expanding that list to include frontline homelessness services.

The charity says the change is vital at a time when drug-related deaths are at record levels.

Across England and Wales, more than 5,500 drug-related deaths were recorded in 2024.

Opioid-related deaths average around 40 each week in the UK, while fatalities involving powerful synthetic opioids known as nitazenes rose by 275% between 2023 and 2024 to nearly 200.

Many people accessing homelessness support services have experienced substance misuse, and organisations like ALABARÉ work closely with partners to guide individuals towards treatment and rehabilitation.

The Naloxone kit.

Naloxone is considered safe to administer and is not addictive or open to misuse.

It will not harm someone who is not experiencing an overdose, except in cases involving heavily pregnant individuals.

ALABARÉ already keeps supplies of naloxone in its supported living accommodation and ensures staff are trained to use it. Most recently, the team at the Wiltshire Foyer received specialist training.

Service manager Tiffany Graham said: “The trainers were both very knowledgeable, and we thank them for the training, which we feel could make a huge difference within our service.”

The charity has formally responded to the consultation, calling for clear legislation that ensures supported housing and homelessness drop-in centres can supply the medication.

Head of homelessness services Alex Cattelona said: “I carry a supply of naloxone on me at all times, as I’ve seen firsthand how vital it can be in saving a person’s life from overdose, and helping them to recover quickly.

“I would love to see naloxone become more well-known and widespread across society, just like we’ve seen with defibrillators in the last few years, to help people having a cardiac arrest.

“I know our teams would always step in to help support people who need help, and if the government’s proposals mean the supply of naloxone without a prescription is more readily available, then that will save thousands of lives nationally.”