Novas Annual Report 2022

Annual Report 2022
TOPPLE
TOPPLE is a pioneering overdose prevention programme that was initiated
in McGarry House STA service in Limerick. The idea was the brainchild of
a research piece commissioned by NOVAS following a period of significant
overdoses in the service.
The programme was designed to identify the signs of overdose, respond in
the event of overdose and provide support in the event of non-fatal overdose.
Client training includes the skills needed to respond to and support people in
crisis, to create partnerships with staff and first responders and to promote
self-care. More recently, the administration of Naloxone was added to the
curriculum. Thereafter, participants volunteer as Peer Overdose Workers for
three to six month periods, or longer if they wish.
During 2022, the programme was rolled out in all our services throughout
the country, supporting clients to prevent and respond to overdose. The
programme has equipped our clients to respond to overdose and save lives in
services and in the community.
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