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Who's asking me? Service user perspectives on safer injecting facilities


Illustration of decriminalisation

Authors

Petra Salisbury and Darren Hill

Published

December 23, 2024



Abstract

This paper discusses the topic of safer injecting facilities with those who are likely to use them. Whilst more countries are adopting this harm reduction strategy, which is widely acknowledged for reducing drug-related death and injury, the UK have been resistant to their implementation. This qualitative discussion paper reflects on the overwhelming global evidence around safer injecting facilities whilst also capturing the voice of those likely to use such facilities. Although there have been several evaluations from recently opened sites in both Australia and Canada, this paper's sole purpose was to have input directly from injecting drug users to help inform local policy and develop local service provision. This paper recognises that the best people to contribute to policy are those who are directly affected by the matter itself. This small and localised piece of research interviewed nine injecting drug users and four drug workers. However, the focus of this paper is to capture the views of those injecting rather than those supporting them. By using thematic analysis, their responses were interpreted and enabled us to recognise three main themes identified by the service users themselves: yes to safe injecting facility, chaos in the injecting community and more than just a clinic. There were points where each of these themes also raised concerns, not only about their own welfare but also that of the wider public. The service users showed insight and sensitivity regarding such a facility but offered pragmatic suggestions that could help shape any possible provision.



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