A powerful documentary will be screened at the end of this month at Narberth’s Queens Hall exploring the often-overlooked risks associated with combining alcohol and cocaine.

The ‘White Elephant in the Room’ is about a group of determined individuals, raising awareness of their lived experience - so that you don't have to!

The documentary exposes the hidden risks of combining alcohol and cocaine, and why a growing number of sudden deaths and suicides linked to cocaethylene remain overlooked in public health and suicide prevention.

One of the contributors to the documentary, is local campaigner Clare Sturman, who shares the story of her son, Sam, whose death in September 2023 led to the establishment of The Sammy-sized GAP charity organisation, which Clare was founder of, along with The Yaki-Da Boi Project which has been running since January 2024.

The ‘White Elephant in the Room’ is about a group of determined individuals, raising awareness of their lived experience - so that you don't have to!
The ‘White Elephant in the Room’ is about a group of determined individuals, raising awareness of their lived experience - so that you don't have to! (Sammy Sized Gap)

Sam had been using cocaine and it had had a detrimental effect on his mental health resulting in his suicide. His story, alongside those of other families in the documentary, illustrates the devastating human consequences that can lie behind these often-overlooked risks.

“Our intention is not simply to raise awareness, but to encourage meaningful conversations that can inform future approaches to harm reduction, early intervention and suicide prevention,” said Clare.

"When we lost Sam, our world changed forever. Since then, I've learnt so much about the risks associated with combining alcohol and cocaine, and how little awareness there is of cocaethylene.

“This documentary isn't about judging people for the choices they make. It's about making sure they have information that could save their lives.

“Sam was so much more than the circumstances of his death. He was funny, loving, full of life and had so much ahead of him. By sharing his story, alongside those of other families, I hope we can help prevent someone else from experiencing the devastation of losing someone they love.

“We cannot change what has happened, but we can change what people know,” she continued

It is an independent documentary project led by the Co-alc Alliance, focused on drawing attention to the hidden and under-recognised risks of combining alcohol and cocaine (which metabolises into cocaethylene), particularly its links with sudden death and suicide.

The film aims to explore why this issue is overlooked in public health messaging and to share real stories from lived experience, bereaved families, and professionals.

It highlights how people who appear socially healthy, from loving families and with no known mental health history, can experience devastating mental and physical consequences after combining alcohol and powder cocaine.

It was founded by Clare Sturman after the tragic loss of her son Sam to suicide. Sam had been using cocaine and it had had a detrimental effect on his mental health resulting in his suicide on September 21, 2023
The Sammy-sized Gap charity was founded by Clare Sturman after the tragic loss of her son Sam to suicide. Sam had been using cocaine and it had had a detrimental effect on his mental health resulting in his suicide on September 21, 2023. (Stock image)

The film focuses on substance use and details of suicides - there will be support from fully trained emotional support volunteers onsite.

Clare added:"We want people to come along, watch the film and be part of the conversation. You don't need any professional knowledge or personal experience. Just an open mind and a willingness to listen.

“For too long, this has been the elephant in the room. It's time we talked about it."

Following the screening, Clare will be joined by Maggie from the Co-alc Alliance for a live audience Q&A, providing an opportunity to explore the issues raised and consider how greater awareness might influence professional practice, prevention and community understanding.

The screening will take place on Thursday, November 26 at 7pm.

Gor further information and to book a place at the screening, head to: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2004278006471?aff=oddtdtcreator⁠