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2023-03-31-accounts

Qvolve tackllng the Impact rf substance mfsu5e ANNUAL REPORT 2023

MISSION STATEMENT

“To provide a dedicated service for young people, adults, families, professionals and organisations that promotes understanding, awareness, and education to the consequences of Substance Misuse, Volatile Substance Misuse & County Lines (trafficking drugs into rural areas and smaller towns, away from major cities). Working towards the prevention of related deaths, illness, accidents, crimes and the impact such misuse has on the family and community, enabling a safer, stronger and healthier environment.

To provide a confidential information, support, counselling & mental health first aid service to all those affected by such misuse.

To provide all such services, free of charge, to children, young people and families including those affected by such misuse.

To actively encourage the participation of children and young people in all areas of our service provision.”

INDEX

MEET OUR FOUNDERS OUR TRUSTEES OUR TEAM THE FACTS AWARDS & RECOGNITITION TESTIMONIALS & SUPPORT YPAG CEO REPORT OUR FUNDERS INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITY

OUR FOUNDERS

Barbara Skinner MBE, a former nurse, became passionate about working with young people following the death of her 16 year old son, Darren, due to Volatile Substance Misuse. Barbara officially retired from her position as Chairman in 2017 and Evolve will forever remain in her gratitude for all her years dedicated to helping the community. Barbara sadly passed in December 2020. She will be sadly missed and remembered with great love and fondness… “EVOLVE WOULD HAVE NEVER COME TO FRUITION WITHOUT YOU….. LOVE YOU YNWA.”

Barbara Skinner MBE

Ally Hodgson has spent many years as a qualified Counsellor and educator in the field of VSA, Former Legal Highs (NPS) & County Lines and has personal experience of the consequences of substance misuse after a drug related murder within her own close family.

Ally Hodgson

OUR TRUSTEES

N A N C Y B O Y L E - C H A I R

J U D I B L A C O W - V I C E - C H A I R E S T H E R M A P L E - S E C R E T A R Y R O Y B R A N D O N - T R E A S U R E R M A R J O R I E B R A N D O N

A L A N S K I N N E R

K E I T H W I L S O N

B A R B A R A Y A T E S

P H I L I P S E D D O N

OUR TEAM

Development Officer Alan Kelly

A big thank you to Alan for all his hard work & dedication over the past 8 years. We couldn't have done it without you!

Independent Examiner Adam Carter

Thanks to Adam and his dedicated team for all your hard work over the last 5 years. You are all super stars!

FACTS

NITROUS OXIDE/BALLOONS

WHAT IS NITROUS OXIDE?

It is a gas that when inhaled causes quick ‘rush’ and short-lasting effects. When used in extra risky ways, used in large doses or used frequently over time it can cause harm to health.

Nitrous oxide has several industrial uses and is used medically. When mixed with air (50/50 gas and air) it is used as an anesthetic gas for pain-relief in dentistry and childbirth.

It is a colourless gas that some say is slightly sweet smelling and tasting. It can be found in different forms such as in whipped cream chargers ‘whippets’ which are small silver cartridges. It can also come as crackers with balloons attached or in large canisters which are different colours that are used to fill balloons.

Nitrous oxide is often categorised as a ‘depressant’, ‘dissociative’ or ‘inhalant’ type drug because of its effects and how it is consumed through inhalation. A depressant drug is one that slows the body down. A dissociative type of drug has effects which causes disconnect or detachment from yourself or your surroundings.

Nitrous oxide is known by people who use it as ‘Laughing Gas’, ‘Whippets’, ‘Chargers’, ‘N2O’, ‘Nos’ and ‘Balloons’. Media reports have also termed this substance as ‘Hippy Crack’.

It may be confused with CO2 which comes in similar silver canisters used to inflate bike tyres. Because they are both gases used to fill balloons, nitrous oxide could also be confused with helium. The two gases are not related.

HOW IS IT TAKEN?

It is inhaled from a balloon which has been filled with the gas, sometimes referred to as ‘nagging’. Gas needs to be discharged from the canister (large and small) to another object such as a balloon. To release the gas from ‘whippets’ canisters, they need to be fitted into a whipped cream canister or an object known as a ‘cracker’. Larger nitrous oxide containers are also used to release gas directly into a balloon.

WHY DO PEOPLE USE NITROUS OXIDE?

People may choose to use this substance for quick euphoric effects.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS?

There are always risks with drugs and it is safer not to use at all.

It is important to note that each person will react differently to a substance, including nitrous oxide. Effects can be based on several factors depending on; how much is taken (the dose could be often unknown), personal factors such as the persons mental health, if the person has consumed the substance before and if other drugs, alcohol or prescription medication are used at the same time. The setting it is used in can also influence a person’s reaction.

Effects start almost immediately peaking at about 10-30 seconds after use. The effects are short-lived, meaning they don’t last long.

EFFECTS CAN INCLUDE:

UNWANTED EFFECTS CAN INCLUDE:

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

Further research is needed in relation to the short and long term risks. We know that risks are increased based on the below factors:

1. How it is taken

2. How much is taken

  1. How often it is taken

TAKING NITROUS OXIDE DIRECTLY FROM THE CANISTER WITHOUT A BALLOON CAN INCREASE HARMS

It is dangerous to inhale nitrous oxide directly from a canister. Inhaling directly from a canister can cause frost bite to the mouth and nose as well as cause damage to the throat and lungs which can be risky. Gas within the canisters is extremely cold and needs to be warmed before inhaling.

SOME PEOPLE MAY BE AT GREATER RISK TO UNWANTED EFFECTS AND BECOMING UNWELL

People with heart, blood pressure or mental health concerns could be at greater risk. Nitrous oxide can cause a drop in oxygen levels which could increase heart rate.

THE SETTING

People risk falling or accidents after use, risks are increased if used in roadways or water.

THE ENVIRONMENT

Nitrous oxide related litter is a concern in some areas.

MIXING DRUGS INCREASES RISK

Using nitrous oxide with other drugs increases the risks, including use with alcohol or prescription medication. It is possible that nitrous oxide taken at the same time as stimulants has a greater effect on blood pressure and heart rate.

LONG TERM RISKS TO HEALTH

Long terms and heavy use can cause vitamin B12 deficiency which can lead to health harms. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause nerve damage, pain/tingling in toes and fingers and changes to skin pigment. Look out for signs of vitamin B12 deficiency such as numbness in fingers, hands and toes and don’t be afraid to discuss your concerns with a medical professional.

SUFFOCATION OR LACK OF AIR

Suffocation can happen when taking nitrous oxide. People risk being deprived of oxygen if too much nitrous oxide is inhaled or if a person uses continuously without taking breaths. Internationally there are some reports of people experiencing suffocation or lack of oxygen.

NITROUS OXIDE HARM REDUCTION

THE LAW

Class: Psychoactive Substances

Like drink-driving, driving when high is dangerous and illegal. If you’re caught driving under the influence, you may receive a heavy fine, driving ban, or prison sentence.

If the police catch people supplying illegal drugs in a home, club, bar or hostel, they can potentially prosecute the landlord, club owner or any other person concerned in the management of the premises.

ADDITIONAL LAW DETAILS

As of 2016, nitrous oxide is covered by the Psychoactive Substances Act and is illegal to supply for its psychoactive effect.

FACTS

KETAMINE/KET

Sold as a grainy white or light brown powder. Looks similar to cocaine but is a very different drug.

Also called:

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

WHAT DOES IT TASTE/SMELL LIKE?

Ketamine tastes bitter and unpleasant.

HOW DO PEOPLE TAKE IT?

Ketamine is used in medicine as an anesthetic for humans and animals.

By snorting it as a powder

Most people who take powder ketamine will snort it. Users often talk of taking a ‘bump’, meaning they snort a small amount of ketamine. In the UK, snorting is the most common way to take ketamine.

By injecting it

People who regularly use ketamine sometimes inject it to get a bigger hit. They usually inject ketamine into a muscle.

By swallowing it as a tablet

Some people swallow it in tablet form, but this is less common.

By bombing

Some people ‘bomb’ it, which is swallowing the powder wrapped in a cigarette paper.

HOW DOES IT MAKE YOU FEEL?

Ketamine is a general anaesthetic so it reduces sensations in the body. Trips can last for a couple of hours.

Taking ketamine can make you feel:

Ketamine can also:

stop you feeling pain, putting you at risk of hurting yourself and not realising it

If you take too much ketamine you may lose the ability to move and go into a ‘k-hole’. This feels like your mind and body have separated and you can't to do anything about it – which can be a very scary experience.

Regular ketamine use can cause:

HOW DOES IT MAKE PEOPLE BEHAVE?

It can make people seem slower, more relaxed and chilled out, but it can also stop people from being able to move properly and from making sense.

DURATION

How long the effects last and the drug stays in your system depends on how much you’ve taken, your size and what other drugs you may have also taken.

TO KICK IN

When snorted, ketamine normally takes about 15 minutes to take effect. When taken orally, it will take longer, around 20 minutes to an hour.

HOW LONG IT LASTS

The buzz can last around for 30 minutes to an hour, but the effects really depend on how much you take.

AFTER EFFECTS

People may feel down and low in mood for a few days after using ketamine.

HOW LONG WILL IT BE DETECTABLE?

Ketamine can be detected in a urine test for several days after taking it.

How long a drug can be detected for depends on how much is taken and which testing kit is used. This is only a general guide.

THE RISKS

PHYSICAL HEALTH RISKS

Ketamine is a very powerful anesthetic that can cause serious harm. Taking ketamine can be fatal, particularly if it is mixed with other drugs.

Ketamine can increase your heart rate and blood pressure. It can make you confused, agitated, delirious and disconnected from reality.

It can make you feel sick, and it can cause damage to your short- and long-term memory. Because of the body’s loss of feelings, paralysis of the muscles and the mind’s loss of touch with reality, you can be left vulnerable to hurting yourself or being hurt by others. Because you don't feel pain properly when you've recently taken ketamine, you can injure yourself and not know you've done it.

Ketamine can cause serious bladder problems, with the urgent and frequent need to pee. This can be very painful and the pee can be blood-stained. Although stopping using ketamine can help, sometimes the damage can be so serious that the bladder needs surgical repair or even removal.

The urinary tract, from the kidneys down to the bladder, can also be affected and incontinence (uncontrolled peeing) may also develop.

Abdominal pain, sometimes called ‘K cramps’, have been reported by people who have taken ketamine for a long time.

Evidence of liver damage due to regular, heavy ketamine use is emerging. The liver has a range of important functions, such as cleaning your blood and removing toxic substances.

MENTAL HEALTH RISKS

The longer term effects of ketamine use can include flashbacks, memory loss and problems with concentration.

Regular use can cause depression and, occasionally, psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations. Ketamine can also make existing mental health problems worse. Interestingly, medical grade ketamine is now being researched as a potential treatment for severe depression, but it is too early to know the results of this research.

WHAT IS KETAMINE CUT WITH?

Street ketamine is usually sold as a white/beige crystalised powder and is sometimes cut with other powders to add weight and improve the dealer’s profits.

It’s impossible to tell whether the ketamine you buy has been cut with other substances by looking at it.

MIXING

IS IT DANGEROUS TO MIX WITH OTHER DRUGS?

Yes, every time you mix drugs you take on new risks.

If you mix ketamine with other drugs, particularly depressant drugs like alcohol, benzodiazepines or opiates, you risk collapsing, passing out and/or seriously injuring yourself. You could also choke, especially if you vomit.

Ketamine can also be very dangerous when mixed with ecstasy or amphetamine (speed), as it can cause high blood pressure.

If you take lots of ketamine and mix it with other drugs you could die.

ADDICTION

CAN YOU GET ADDICTED?

Yes! People who become addicted to ketamine will keep taking it – whether they’re aware of the health risks or not.

Others will attend drug treatment services to help them stop.

People who use ketamine regularly can develop a tolerance to it, which could lead to them taking even more to get the effects they’re looking for.

There are no physical withdrawal symptoms with ketamine, so ketamine addiction is sometimes called a psychological dependence.

THE LAW

Class: B

This is a Class B drug, which means it’s illegal to have for yourself, give away or sell.

Possession can get you up to 5 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.

Supplying someone else, even your friends, can get you up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.

Like drink-driving, driving when high is dangerous and illegal. If you’re caught driving under the influence, you may receive a heavy fine, driving ban, or prison sentence.

If the police catch people supplying illegal drugs in a home, club, bar or hostel, they can potentially prosecute the landlord, club owner or any other person concerned in the management of the premises.

WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY

If you or someone else needs urgent help after taking drugs or drinking, call 999 for an ambulance. Tell the crew everything you know. It could save their life.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

TESTIMONIALS & SUPPORT

TESTIMONIALS & SUPPORT

TESTIMONIALS & SUPPORT

TESTIMONIALS & SUPPORT

I would be most supportive of this bid from behalf of Merseyside Police. Ally has been a regular contributor to the Merseyside Police Cadet programme over numerous years and has always had a positive impact on our young people. She has also performed several presentations / workshops at numerous schools within the Merseyside area, highlighting the dangers of legal highs.

From my experience, the Evolve charity is unique in its focus on the misuse of these substances and Ally is stand alone in tackling this matter.

Topically, the use of nitrous oxide is soon to be made an illegal substance and it is hard to see how this will be managed by both health and enforcement agencies. I am certain that Ally’s contribution to reducing harm to young people from these substances will be vital in tackling this issue and even more so in the years ahead

Nick Banlin

Con Community Engagement PREV Community Engagement

TESTIMONIALS & SUPPORT

Text messages received post presentation

Thank you for the talk, I never knew the danger of former legal highs and it was informative and interesting. Thank you!! X

Hi Ally, thanks for the session, I found it really touching! It even made me cry! Thanks again xxxxx

Hi just wanted to say thank you for the presentation today and good luck going forwards.

Hey. We really enjoyed your presentation on former legal highs. And we liked listening to your stories. From the two blonde girls from group 5 (period 2) X ;)

Just thought I’d say thank you for such a moving and informative session, I feel as if I have benefited from the knowledge and I am happy to know I am able to inform others and potentially save them. It’s such an amazing cause and something I'd love to get involved in. (I was a boy in the audience )

Hi, my name is Iman and I was truly touched by the talk you gave at my sixth form today about drug abuse. Myself and my friends all agreed that you are incredibly brave to share your stories and you are truly inspiring because you took tragic incidents and try to make something positive. I can definitely say I learnt a lot and this was the greatest PSHCE day I've ever had. Thanks so much X

YPAG 2022-23

Thank you to our Young Person’s Advisory Group... Showing complete dedication and working hard all throughout the year to bring in funds of over £1000 you are all just wonderful!

CEO REPORT

I have been busy in schools all year and it’s great to be getting back to some kind of ‘normality’. With the help of our volunteers from our Young Persons Advisory Group (YPAG) we are now producing a quarterly newsletter which is packed with up to date information and news articles, the same young people from our YPAG also managed to raise £1000 organising a fun day at Bebington Co-Op Academy. The first issue of the newsletter was sent out to over 200 schools/colleges/agencies across the Northwest.

Earlier in the year Wirral Met Colleges contacted me to request that we go into all 5 campuses over the year, we have agreed to do 50 sessions which will actually lead into next year, with the potential to reach out to 10,000 students.

I have spent time counselling more YP’s as the mental health issues amongst our young people are at a level high (Almost half of YP’s in the UK now suffering with mental health issues). A lot of this goes hand in hand with substance misuse.

Early 2022 it was announced that Evolve had been chosen by The Liverpool Crown Court judges to be one of their ‘Proceeds of Crime’ charities and we received 7K and, of course, lots of recognition. We also received funding from National Lottery Community Fund and Cheshire Community Foundation, a big thank you to them all.

We received our 2nd High Sheriff Award for 2022... I do love it when the work that we do is recognised!

I am excited and looking forward to Evolves future and cannot wait to go forward with all our plans.

Love and hugs to you all… Ally xxx

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BEACONSFIELD COMMUNITY HOUSE ROCK FERRY WIRRAL MERSEYSIDE CH42 3YN

EVOLVE... TACKLING THE IMPACT OF SUBSTANCE MISUSE

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