Agencies in Cornwall are joining together to stage a special Acorn Service during this year’s Addaction Hope Festival at Truro’s Boscawen Park to remember people who have died from substance misuse.
The Remembrance service, which is being supported by Cornwall Council, Truro City Council, Cornwall Drug and Alcohol Action Team, Addaction, and Bosence Drug and Alcohol treatment service, will begin at 2pm on Saturday, August 20.
The 40 minute service will include music from service users, substance misuse treatment workers, personal reflections and a tailored service which seeks to poignantly touch on some of the complex issues surrounding these deaths.
“The aim of the service is to not only to remember those that have died from substance misuse, but also those family, loved ones and friends who mourn these deaths and have often been through a complex and emotional journey,” said Sid Willett, the drug related death prevention co-ordinator for the Cornwall Drug and Alcohol Action Team.
This will be the third consecutive year the Acorn Service has been held in Cornwall after two very well attended previous services at Truro Cathedral. Among those taking part in the service will be Rob and Claudia Menzies, who lost their daughter over the New Year of 2015. They will reflect on her life in Remembering Miranda.
Victoria, a keyworker with Bosence, will also be reflecting during the service. “Some lives are lost, many lives are recovered," she said. “We will celebrate every one.”
There were 24 24 deaths in Cornwall directly attributable to drug use in 2014. This figure is based on a specific definition of what a drug related death is. Alcohol and drugs that are not contained within that definition add to this annual tally.
"I attend many inquests as part of my work and meet people who have lost family members and loved ones,” said MrWillett. “As you would expect they display a wide range of emotions - these emotions can be unique to these deaths due to the complex issues at play with substance use. It is important that we remember, reflect, review and seek to prevent future deaths.
"This is a great opportunity this year to combine with Addactions’ Hope Festival and further increase awareness of this important issue."
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