Latest news with #SAFEProject
Daily Record
13-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Scots support service for young victims of crime reaches 22 council areas
Glasgow saw the highest number of referrals to Kibble's pioneering SAFE Project. A vital support service for children and young people affected by crime has now reached over 400 young people and their families across 22 local authority areas in Scotland. Run by leading child and youth care charity Kibble, the SAFE Project provides trauma-informed, therapeutic and advocacy support to young people and their families who have experienced crime, whether as victims, witnesses, or those impacted by violence and abuse in the home. Since its launch in 2021, SAFE has seen referrals triple, with a concentration in Glasgow, which accounts for 46 per cent of all referrals. Other local authority areas with high engagement include Inverclyde and South Lanarkshire which accounted for 24 per cent of referrals, followed by Renfrewshire and East Ayrshire. Dan Johnson, executive cirector and forensic psychologist at Kibble, said: "The trauma caused by crime in childhood can affect every part of a young person's life, from relationships and learning to their long-term mental health. The SAFE Project is designed to wrap around the whole family, offering therapy, advocacy and practical support when it's needed most. "What we're seeing is a level of unmet need that's both sobering and deeply motivating. We're proud that SAFE is already changing lives and that families from Glasgow to the Borders are finding their way to us." The service includes the provision of specialist systemic and psychological advice and support for organisations and professionals who do not have expertise in trauma, mental health and intervention but who support young victims and witnesses – education, social work, police – promoting system change and collaboration between a wide range of organisations supporting young victims/witnesses of crime. Highlights from the evaluation report include: Over 68 per cent of referrals received direct therapeutic intervention — far exceeding original projections. Children and young people and families report improved emotional wellbeing, relationships, and a greater sense of safety. Feedback from families has helped shape the service, with flexible delivery offered in person and online. Young people who have received advocacy support report an improved experience of the criminal justice process. 88 per cent of young people have reported that it has helped them work towards their goals. Mr Johnson added: "Supporting young people affected by crime isn't the responsibility of one service alone, instead it takes a network of professionals working together. That's why a core part of SAFE is helping educators, social workers and police navigate the impact of trauma. 'By equipping those on the frontline with psychological insight and practical advice, we're building a more joined-up, trauma-informed system that can respond more effectively and compassionately to the needs of young victims and witnesses." With Glasgow emerging as a national hotspot for referrals, the data reinforces the link between crime exposure and social inequality and the urgent need for scalable, trauma-informed services. Earlier this year, Kibble successfully secured funding from the Scottish Government's Victim-Centred Approach Fund to continue its SAFE service for 2025/26 and have indicative confirmation of funding for 2026/27, with the potential for additional support in the future. *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
Scotsman
10-06-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Support service for young victims of crime reaches 22 council areas
Glasgow sees highest number of referrals to Kibble's pioneering SAFE Project Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A vital support service for children and young people affected by crime has now reached over 400 young people and their families across 22 local authority areas in Scotland. Run by leading child and youth care charity Kibble, the SAFE Project provides trauma-informed, therapeutic and advocacy support to young people and their families who have experienced crime, whether as victims, witnesses, or those impacted by violence and abuse in the home. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Since its launch in 2021, SAFE has seen referrals triple, with a concentration in Glasgow, which accounts for 46% of all referrals. Other local authority areas with high engagement include Inverclyde and South Lanarkshire which accounted for 24 per cent of referrals, followed by Renfrewshire and East Ayrshire. Kibble SAFE service supports young people affected by crime across Scotland Dan Johnson, Executive Director and Forensic Psychologist at Kibble, said: 'The trauma caused by crime in childhood can affect every part of a young person's life, from relationships and learning to their long-term mental health. The SAFE Project is designed to wrap around the whole family, offering therapy, advocacy and practical support when it's needed most. 'What we're seeing is a level of unmet need that's both sobering and deeply motivating. We're proud that SAFE is already changing lives and that families from Glasgow to the Borders are finding their way to us.' The service includes the provision of specialist systemic and psychological advice and support for organisations and professionals who do not have expertise in trauma, mental health and intervention but who support young victims and witnesses – education, social work, police – promoting system change and collaboration between a wide range of organisations supporting young victims/witnesses of crime. Highlights from the evaluation report include: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Over 68% of referrals received direct therapeutic intervention — far exceeding original projections. Children and young people and families report improved emotional wellbeing, relationships, and a greater sense of safety. Feedback from families has helped shape the service, with flexible delivery offered in person and online. Young people who have received advocacy support report an improved experience of the criminal justice process. 88% of young people have reported that it has helped them work towards their goals. Dan Johnson added: 'Supporting young people affected by crime isn't the responsibility of one service alone, instead it takes a network of professionals working together. That's why a core part of SAFE is helping educators, social workers and police navigate the impact of trauma. 'By equipping those on the frontline with psychological insight and practical advice, we're building a more joined-up, trauma-informed system that can respond more effectively and compassionately to the needs of young victims and witnesses.' With Glasgow emerging as a national hotspot for referrals, the data reinforces the link between crime exposure and social inequality and the urgent need for scalable, trauma-informed services.
Glasgow Times
09-06-2025
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow sees highest referrals to youth trauma service SAFE
The SAFE Project, run by child and youth care charity Kibble, offers support to children and families affected by crime, including those who have witnessed violence or abuse. Since launching in 2021, SAFE has seen referrals triple, with 46 per cent coming from Glasgow. Kibble said the high number of referrals in Glasgow highlights the link between crime, social inequality, and the need for trauma-informed services. Read more: 'We never gave up': Family's heartbreaking tribute as body of missing teen found Loads of new homes to be built on site of destroyed Glasgow tower blocks Rangers make decision on Oumar Camara as Andrew Cavenagh takeover has impact Inverclyde and South Lanarkshire accounted for 24 per cent of referrals, followed by Renfrewshire and East Ayrshire. Dan Johnson, executive director and forensic psychologist at Kibble, said: "The trauma caused by crime in childhood can affect every part of a young person's life, from relationships and learning to their long-term mental health. "The SAFE Project is designed to wrap around the whole family, offering therapy, advocacy and practical support when it's needed most. "What we're seeing is a level of unmet need that's both sobering and deeply motivating. "We're proud that SAFE is already changing lives and that families from Glasgow to the Borders are finding their way to us." To date, the project has reached more than 400 young people and their families across 22 local authority areas in Scotland. Earlier this year, the charity secured funding from the Scottish Government's Victim-Centred Approach Fund to continue the SAFE Project into 2025/26, with indicative support for 2026/27. Mr Johnson said: "Supporting young people affected by crime isn't the responsibility of one service alone, instead it takes a network of professionals working together. "That's why a core part of SAFE is helping educators, social workers and police navigate the impact of trauma. "By equipping those on the frontline with psychological insight and practical advice, we're building a more joined-up, trauma-informed system that can respond more effectively and compassionately to the needs of young victims and witnesses."
Health Line
05-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
How to Take Care of Your Nose After Snorting Cocaine
There are several ways to care for your nose after snorting cocaine. A common option is to apply petroleum jelly to the edge of your nostril to relieve and protect your skin and nasal cavity. Looking for ways to soothe an irritated nose after snorting cocaine? You probably already have one solution in your medicine cabinet: Vaseline, also known as petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly can help protect skin and lock in moisture. It's also free from added ingredients that can cause irritation. When using it on your nose, you want to be sure you apply it correctly. Here's a look at how to apply petroleum jelly to your nose, other techniques you can try for relief, and why cocaine irritates your nose in the first place. Healthline does not endorse the illegal use of any substances. However, we believe in providing accessible and accurate information to reduce the harm that can occur when using them. If you're concerned about your drug use, there's help available. You can bring it up with a healthcare professional if you feel comfortable. Or reach out to one of the following free and confidential resources: SAMHSA's National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357) or online treatment locator SAFE Project Shatterproof Apply petroleum jelly Try putting a small amount of petroleum jelly on your finger and apply a thin layer around the edge of your nostril. You can also apply a small amount just inside your nose, but avoid going any deeper. When inhaled, petroleum jelly may lead to something called lipid pneumonia. It's not clear how common this is, but applying it only to the edge of your nose should avoid this risk. A note on timing, though: You'll want to avoid applying petroleum jelly right before snorting anything. The powder will get stuck and become unusable. Other things to try In addition to applying petroleum jelly to the edge of your nostril, there are a few other things you can do to soothe your nose and prevent irritation. Use a saline rinse When you snort cocaine, it sits on the lining of your nasal cavity for several minutes, so doing a simple rinse can go a long way. You can pick up saline nasal rinses at any drug or grocery store. They're usually called saline nasal rinse, saline nasal mist, saline nasal spray, or saline nasal irrigation. Avoid sprays that have other ingredients besides saline (like Afrin or Nasacort). After snorting, use a few pumps of the saline rinse to wash the lingering cocaine off your nasal mucosa. Keep a tissue handy to pat the skin around your nose dry — wet skin is more likely to get irritated. Follow up with some petroleum jelly for added protection. Alternate nostrils If you're able, alternate your nostrils each time you snort. This gives each side as much time as possible to heal and rest. Cocaine causes abrasion as it's pulled through the lining of your nose, and, if you're using something with rough edges to snort, it can also cause abrasion (more on this in a moment). Give your nostrils as much down time as you can. Don't share snorting tools An infection that settles into a wound or area of irritated nasal cavity can take some time to heal, resulting in ongoing discomfort and pain in your nose. To avoid infection, practice basic hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and warm water before handling drugs. Most importantly, use clean, unshared snorting tools. Certain bacteria, including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), love to live in the nose and can be easily spread by sharing tools. It's also possible for bloodborne viruses, like hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and HIV, to pass from person to person if a tool is contaminated with blood and another person has an open wound or area of irritation in their nose. Why does cocaine irritate your nose, anyway? If you're looking for ways to take care of your nose, it's helpful to understand why cocaine causes irritation. The lining inside the nose is thin and delicate What lines the inside of your nose isn't the same tough, dry skin that covers the rest of your body. Your nose isn't filled with skin, but rather with nasal mucosa, which is a different kind of tissue. The part closest to your nostrils is the thickest, but as you move back toward your throat, it gets thinner and more delicate. This is why some people experience nosebleeds after snorting drugs. Cocaine is often acidic There's a difference between the chemical properties of a drug made in a sterile lab and those of a sample of a drug purchased from a drug seller. While reference materials typically list cocaine as having a fairly neutral pH, samples taken from drug sellers often test as acidic. This is probably due to how the cocaine was made and potential contaminants that were mixed in during the process. Acids irritate you nasal mucous, and disrupt its ability to keep foreign particles from entering your body Snorting can rough up the inside of the nose Snorting can be done in a few different ways, but it often involves inserting something into the nostril, like a dollar bill or a cut piece of drinking straw. Also, the act of sucking the powder into your nose means pulling small crystals across your nasal mucosa. This alone can be irritating to the delicate lining of the nose all by itself, since the edges of those crystals are rough. Cocaine slows down blood flow Cocaine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it makes blood vessels tighten and narrow. Tighter blood vessels mean less blood flow. Imagine a garden hose suddenly gets a lot narrower. The water would have a harder time coming out. Why does this matter? Well, your body's tissues need plenty of blood flow to heal. Blood brings oxygen to feed cells and the building blocks to repair wounds. When you snort cocaine, you reduce the amount of blood flow to your nasal lining. If the lining then gets damaged or irritated, the reduced blood flow makes the healing process lengthier and a little more difficult. You don't always know what you're snorting You've probably heard about the opioid overdose epidemic. The main contributor is unpredictable contamination of the drug supply with substances people aren't aware of, including fentanyl, a powerful opioid, and etizolam, a benzodiazepine that slows breathing and causes sedation. This issue with contamination applies to cocaine, too. This is important for two reasons: It exposes people to a greater risk of overdose, and it means there could be substances in the cocaine that make it extra irritating to your nose. Safety tips Speaking of contamination, there are things you can do to protect yourself and others from experiencing an overdose or drug poisoning. Again, this can happen even if you aren't using opioids. Fentanyl and etizolam, along with other contaminants, are increasingly showing up in cocaine. Here are some simple, but high-impact, steps to take to be prepared for a drug overdose or poisoning: Carry naloxone. Have naloxone on hand, and make sure that everyone you use drugs with knows how and when to use it, and where it's kept. Think of it like a fire extinguisher: If people don't know where it is and how to use it, it won't be of much use during a fire. Test it. Drug testing in the United States isn't very accessible for legal and policy reasons, but if you can access mass spectrometry or infrared spectrometry testing in your area, this is the best option. If not, see if you can get testing strips for fentanyl or benzodiazepines near you. You can also get reagent test kits from sites like DanceSafe. These take some time to learn and use, but they offer a lot of information. Have a buddy. Don't use drugs alone. Have a friend or loved one with you. If an in-person option isn't possible, try a virtual one, like FaceTime or Zoom. And, if that's not possible, try the free Never Use Alone hotline at 800-484-3731. They only need your physical location in case they need to send emergency medical services, but, otherwise, it's completely anonymous and confidential. Know the signs Signs that someone might be experiencing an overdose include: slow or ragged breathing a loud, rattling snoring sound when breathing constricted pupils pale or clammy skin that's cool to the touch (People with dark skin may look washed-out or ashen rather than pale.) blue or gray fingertips nausea, vomiting, or both dozing off, even as you try to keep them awake Call 911 or your local emergency number right away if you think someone's experiencing an overdose. Worried about legal consequences? This guide can help.
