On Tuesday 23 May, Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone QPM and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Jenny Gilruth attended an important event at Police Scotland’s headquarters, held by the Daniel Spargo-Mabbs Foundation. The charity was founded in 2014 by Dan’s parents in the wake of his death, aged 16, and highlights the vital role education plays in protecting young people from drug-related harm.
Speakers included Professor Marion Bain, Deputy Chief Medical Officer; Detective Chief Superintendent Stuart Houston, Head of Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism; Superintendent David Howieson; and Fiona Spargo-Mabbs OBE, Dan’s mother. They discussed the role of education and prevention in tackling drug harm, as well as the issues raised in Mark Wheeler’s play ‘I Love You, Mum – I Promise I Won’t Die’, which tells Dan’s story and tours Scottish schools.
Fiona Spargo-Mabbs said: “This is an exciting opportunity to bring together key policy makers, agencies and stakeholders across Scotland to explore the essential role drug education can and must play, if we are to equip this next generation with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate drugs and decisions safely.”
Sir Iain Livingstone said: “I know the terrible toll of drugs deaths and Police Scotland is committed to playing our part in reducing the harm caused to individuals, families and communities.”
Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Jenny Gilruth added: “We must ensure young people are educated about the harms of substance use – both to themselves and others. Events like this are crucial in supporting the efforts of the Scottish Government and partners on the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce in raising awareness about the significant harm caused by illegal drugs, allowing young people to make informed choices which will help them lead healthy lifestyles.”
The Daniel Spargo-Mabbs Foundation is a drug education charity set up to ensure that no young person is faced with a decision about drugs without the knowledge and skills to make informed and safe choices. The charity works with young people, parents, teachers and professionals in schools, colleges and communities across the UK. Fiona Spargo-Mabbs is the charity’s Director and Founder, and in 2023 she was awarded an OBE for services to young people.
The Serious Organised Crime (SOC) Taskforce, chaired by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, oversees implementation of Scotland’s SOC Strategy, with the aim of disrupting serious organised crime and reducing the harm it causes.
On Tuesday 23 May, the Daniel Spargo-Mabbs Foundation held an event at Police Scotland’s headquarters to highlight the vital role of education in preventing drug-related harm. Speakers included Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone QPM, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Jenny Gilruth, and Dan’s mother Fiona Spargo-Mabbs OBE, Director and Founder of the charity.
Sir Iain Livingstone said: “I know the terrible toll of drugs deaths and Police Scotland is committed to playing our part in reducing the harm caused to individuals, families and communities.” Cabinet Secretary Gilruth added: “We must ensure young people are educated about the harms of substance use – both to themselves and others. Events like this are crucial in supporting the efforts of the Scottish Government and partners on the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce in raising awareness about the significant harm caused by illegal drugs, allowing young people to make informed choices which will help them lead healthy lifestyles.”
Founded in 2014, the Daniel Spargo-Mabbs Foundation works to ensure that no young person is faced with a decision about drugs without the knowledge and skills to make informed and safe choices. The charity is closely involved in policy work with government, police, academics and other agencies. Fiona Spargo-Mabbs was awarded an OBE in 2023 for her services to young people.
The Serious Organised Crime (SOC) Taskforce oversees implementation of Scotland’s SOC Strategy, with the aim of disrupting serious organised crime and reducing the harm it causes. The event provided an opportunity for key policy makers, agencies and stakeholders across Scotland to explore the essential role drug education plays in protecting young people.
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