West Midlands drug checking service removes arrest fear from raver drug tests
People accessing the service will be able to surrender a small amount of a substance for analysis without fear of arrest.
The UK’s first rave drug-checking charity is coming to Birmingham this month.
Charity the loop is responsible for drug checking and harm reduction services to reduce drug-related harm and deaths.
Drug checking combines rapid chemical analysis of substances of concern with individually tailored, non-judgemental health consultations to reduce drug-related harm, without fear of arrest.
People accessing the service, on November 14, will be able to surrender a small amount of a substance for analysis by chemists with results informing personalised consultations with health staff.
Katy Porter, CEO of The Loop, said: “as we mark ten years since introducing drug checking in the UK, we’re pleased to be continuing the expansion of regular accessible services with two new sites in Birmingham.
“Drug checking gives people access to accurate information within a harm reduction consultation. This supports understanding of potential risks and enables people to take informed decisions related to their drug use.
“Alongside the individualised support, it contributes to our understanding of local drug markets, helps inform wider harm reduction responses delivered by all our partners, and responds to the continued concern in the level of harm and drug-related deaths across the UK”.
The Birmingham service comes during the tenth anniversary year for drug checking service and contributes to a wider understanding of local drug markets and drug trends in Birmingham, with information from testing helping wth targeted harm reduction responses.
Simon Foster, West Midlands Police and crime commissioner and chair of the West Midlands combatting drugs and alcohol partnership said: “the launch of The Loop’s community-based drug checking services in Birmingham is a vital, evidence-based step forward. By combining rapid analysis with expert health consultations, this initiative will provide crucial information to help people make safer decisions, while delivering the rapid intelligence needed to counter increasingly dangerous and turbulent drug markets.
“This partnership is a testament to our collective determination to prevent harm, reduce the burden on our emergency services, and build safer, healthier communities across the West Midlands."
The Loop has a small team of around 40 people in its senior volunteer team and will be operating from Lonsdale House, Blucher Street B1 and Allcock Street, B9 in Birmingham fortnightly. It will be open alternating Wednesdays and Saturdays with a free and confidential walk-in substance testing service.
Lyle Bignon, night time economy ambassador for Birmingham working on behalf of the night time industries association, said: “the arrival of The Loop in Birmingham is a welcome and potentially life-saving development for our city.
"Drug use affects communities across society, from people sleeping rough to those enjoying nightlife.
"Government research suggests up to 40% of the UK's street community have experienced drug-related issues, while ONS figures show 37% of people visiting nightclubs four or more times monthly reported drug use. These are realities we cannot ignore.
"The Loop offers a pragmatic, evidence-led approach, replacing stigma with education, informed choices and harm reduction.
"Birmingham should be leading the way in protecting vulnerable people, supporting safer nightlife and ultimately saving lives. This is a step further in that direction."
For more information about the charity or to donate visit https://www.wearetheloop.org/donate.