Bristol could provide UK's first regular drug checking service
If plans are approved, it would allow drug users to analyse the content of their drugs - for free and confidentially
Proposals for the UK’s first regular drug checking service have been published which could see the city host 15 free and confidential sessions over a 12-month period.
The proposed service would offer users a chance to submit a sample of a substance and receive the results from a forensic analysis, detailing the content and purity of a given substance.
Illicit substances often consumed at festivals or other events can be tested, with testing proven to both save lives and impact on people’s drug taking behaviours.
The proposed service, which would be confidential and free to access, is due to be discussed and decided on by Bristol’s Cabinet today (Tuesday, 10th May).
If approved the service would open its doors for the first time on 28th May and would also operate before significant local events, such as festivals.
The proposed service aligns with the aspirations set out in the Bristol Drug and Alcohol strategy.
Bristol City Councillor Ellie King, Cabinet Lead for Public Health, Communities, and Bristol One City said:
“A cornerstone of our drug and alcohol strategy is our aim to monitor and consider new approaches to reducing the harm from illicit substance use.
"These proposals put forward an innovative approach to saving lives and reducing harm to our communities, and naturally align with our strategic aims.
“It’s important that we don’t ignore the fact that drug use is happening and take a two-dimensional approach to this subject. Whilst this service doesn’t take anything away from work underway to support those with substance addictions, it will provide communities with access to factual, scientific, evidence-based information about drugs they may consume and that may be in circulation throughout the wider city.
"This, alongside the proposed one-on-one trained healthcare consultation, will empower people to make safer, informed decisions. "
Drug checking services have operated successfully across Europe for four decades and have been piloted in UK cities and events since 2016.
Service users surrender substances of concern for laboratory analysis by chemists and the results are shared with them as part of a personalised health consultation with a health professional.