Why I set up the DSM Foundation following my son's death with Fiona Spargo-Mabbs OBE

In this episode, we are joined by Fiona Spargo-Mabbs OBE, author and founder and director of the drugs education charity, DSM Foundation. In 2014, Fiona's youngest son, Dan, tragically passed away having consumed a lethal dose of MDMA. Dan was just 16 years old when he died. Just 8 days later, Fiona established the DSM Foundation, aiming to ensure that all young people across the UK have adequate access to evidenced-based drug education.

Fiona shares Dan's story and how the charity, set up in his name, was established and how it has grown over the 10 years to now being involved with 700 schools across the UK. Fiona highlights why drug education is so important and what this looks like in practice, including supporting young people in developing resilience and effective skills to deal with a range of social situations that may involve risky behaviour, including substance use.

Fiona also discusses the play based on the real events that led to Daniel's death, 'I Love You, Mum - I Promise I Won't Die' that has been studied, taught and performed in schools, colleges and community youth theatres across the UK, Australia, Tasmania and Vancouver, as well as performed at the Edinburgh Fringe festival in 2018 by Lloyd Theatre Arts.

Fiona is also the author of two books:

• I wish I'd known
• Talking the Tough Stuff with Teens

For more information regarding the DSM Foundation, please visit: ⁠https://www.dsmfoundation.org.uk/

⁠You can also follow the DSM Foundation on Socials:

• Facebook - ⁠@danielspargomabbsfoundation⁠
• X - ⁠@foundationdsm
• ⁠Instagram - ⁠@dsmfoundation

⁠If you have been affected by the issues discussed in this episode, please visit barod.cymru and confidentially chat to a trained support worker via Barod's Live Webchat Service, that is open 7-days a week, or call Dan 24/7, Wales' national drug and alcohol helpline on 0808 808 2234 or text DAN to 81066.