Cleaning up our streets and why nitrous oxide is no laughing matter…
With the pressures that COVID-19 has presented, Imogen (Scouts section) and her Dad wanted to make a difference and do something to help the council who were running reduced services during lockdown.
With a grabber and hoop they began clearing up the streets of Maltby for their daily exercise.
Imogen (Scouts section) Litter-picking
While cleaning the streets, they came across a large number of discarded scratch cards and nitrous oxide canisters.
So what is Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas)?
It’s a psychoactive substance which affects how the brain works and causes changes in mood, awareness, thoughts, feelings, or behavior.
Litter – Dangerous Nitrous Oxide Canisters
It’s an illegal drug to give away or sell – and can be very dangerous when inhaled directly from the canister. Anyone who takes this drug has the risk of falling unconscious and / or suffocating from lack of oxygen.
If you or someone you know is taking nitrous oxide and would like help – Talk To Frank has a confidential advice line on 0300 123 6600, as well as lots of information on their website www.talktofrank.com
Driving change
Imogen and her Dad have gone a step further and worked with the local MP (Alexander Stafford) who has:
- Written a letter to the chief executive of the National Lottery about the issue of scratch cards being littered
- Pledged to raise awareness of the risks of nitrous oxide
We are incredibly proud of Imogen for keeping active during lockdown, and helping her local community. She’s is well on her way to earning the Community Impact Staged Activity Badge
Imogen and Dad