Angels

Lauren's death is not an isolated incident, in fact there are a lot of deaths by drug misuse. The Derby Coroner is currently covering an inquest a day for drug misuse.

Since Lauren's death it became apparent that there didn't exist a bereavement group specific to drug misuse. Death from overdose usually occurs when the person has had a period of abstinence and then has a relapse. Their tolerance levels will be low resulting in them being more vulnerable to using too much.

There are other bereavement groups available, e.g murder, road traffic accidents, still birth etc but nothing for families of drug misuse. Drugs carries an enormous stigma to people who don't understand. Drugs is a dirty word and sometimes it is difficult to know or understand why someone takes them let alone dies from them.

Angels was formed as a full time bereavement service in February 2003.

Some families find it difficult to come to terms with their loved one misusing drugs and the lifestyle that they have to lead to fund their drug habit. It really does help to be able to talk over their drug misuse with people who share experiences.

Angels holds support meetings once a month in Derby and has many members so far. For more information please call us on 01332 362638, the office is open 9.00am - 4.30pm Mon - Thurs & 9am - 1pm Fri. You can also use this website to email us. Please don't stay alone and isolated, get in touch with us. Even if you do not live in the Derby area please call and talk to someone who knows exactly how you are feeling.