A Plymouth mother who lost both her sons to substance misuse has delivered a powerful petition to Downing Street. She demands that the government recognise escalating fatalities as a public health emergency for drug deaths.

Liz Brown, 61, handed The Salvation Army’s petition to Number 10 yesterday. Nearly 1,700 signatures backed her call for urgent government action on rising substance-related fatalities.

The charity analysed national data and found alarming results. Eighteen people now die from drugs every day across the United Kingdom. A decade ago, 11 people died daily. This represents a 64% rise in fatal overdoses over ten years.

A Mother’s Heartbreaking Loss

Liz lost her son Karl, 38, in March 2022. She then lost her eldest son Lee, 42, in December 2024. Both deaths linked to drug use.

“No mother should experience what I have gone through,” Liz said outside Downing Street. “That’s why I’m supporting The Salvation Army’s call for urgent action. We must prevent other people from losing their lives.”

The mother of four explained how stigma surrounding addiction prevents many from seeking help. “A lot of people don’t see someone who takes drugs as a person who deserves help. This breaks my heart,” she said. “What they don’t realise is that people with an addiction are suffering.”

Liz emphasised that shame and criticism do not address substance dependency. “Having a go at them for taking drugs or trying to make them feel ashamed sadly doesn’t change anything. It doesn’t stop them dying. What people in this situation need is ongoing professional help.”

Experts Demand Action on Fatal Overdoses

Major Dr Will Pearson accompanied Liz to deliver the petition. He serves as The Salvation Army’s Assistant Director of Addictions. He stressed that declaring a public health emergency for drug deaths is essential for coordinated government intervention.

“Every death is a tragedy. But it’s even worse when that life could have been saved,” Major Pearson said. “If any other health condition caused such an increase in deaths in a decade, officials would have long declared a public health emergency.”

He called for coordinated action across England, Scotland and Wales. Officials must reframe addiction as a chronic health issue requiring support rather than punishment.

Rising Deaths Linked to Service Cuts

The Salvation Army has supported people living with addiction for 160 years. The charity warns that cuts to addiction services have compounded the increase in substance-related deaths over recent years.

The organisation advocates a harm reduction approach. This combines compassion with practical support. It prioritises safety and removes barriers to receiving help.

“Behind the alarming figures are people like Liz’s sons. Action is needed now before more lives are needlessly lost,” Major Pearson added. “All lives are precious. Saving them should be a top priority for Government.”

Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil, Adam Dance, also supported the petition delivery.

Campaigners argue that treating the crisis as a public health emergency would unlock vital resources. It would coordinate efforts across healthcare, social services and government departments. This would address fatal overdoses more effectively.

The Salvation Army ranks as one of the leading providers of addiction support services. The organisation continues to help hundreds of people on their recovery journey. It offers comprehensive assistance to those struggling with substance dependency.

The stark reality speaks clearly. Eighteen people die daily from substance misuse. This underscores the urgent need for a coordinated national response. Advocates describe this as a growing crisis requiring immediate recognition as a public health emergency for drug deaths.

Source: dbrecoveryresources