Scotland’s drug death crisis needs a radical harm reduction response – now

First paragraph: The newly published figures of annual drug-related deaths (DRD) in Scotland are appalling. The National Records of Scotland figure of 867 represents the highest annual total recorded – a 23% increase on the previous year, and a 100% increase since 421 Scottish DRDs were reported in 2006

Investigating the role of benzodiazepines in drug-related mortality: A systematic review undertaken on behalf of The Scottish National Forum on Drug-Related Deaths

Owing to a lack of research on benzodiazepines, the National Forum on Drug-Related Deaths commissioned work addressing why benzodiazepines are common in DRDs and what role they play in such deaths, particularly at the high doses often reported. This Report presents the findings of a systematic review of evidence in relation to the use and misuse of benzodiazepines and highlights significant gaps in knowledge

ARISE (certCOIN)- inspiring demand for sustainable energy skills

The European AEC Sector now faces impending challenges over the next decade concerning escalating climate targets. To reach these targets, it vital that the green economy deliver a better-skilled workforce and develops new competencies and methods of working. Training in the domain of digital construction technologies and processes, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), are now seen as essential upskilling vehicles that must be embraced if the sector is to transition towards a greener agenda. To assist in meeting these training needs a selection of partners from the BIM EPA will partake in the Horizon 2020 ARISE project, aiming to contribute to this agenda by stimulating and inspiring the demand for sustainable energy skills. This will be achieved by monetising skills development and learning exchanges within a digital system based on skills recognition. The project will develop a suite of modules underpinned by micro-credentials that will enable the learner to acquire the skills and accreditation/recognition needed to meet the job requirements while also providing vocational mobility. This material will be hosted on an on-demand mobile-friendly training portal and will have procedures inbuilt in its architecture to measure progress and validate the achievement. This achievement will come in the form of a cryptocurrency titled CERTcoin. It is hoped that this innovative approach will support the transition of the construction sector by providing its workforce with digital and sustainable energy skills that will secure a greener future