People invited to test their drugs for free and anonymously
It's hoped the new scheme will save lives
The UK's first ever regular drug checking service will open in Bristol this weekend (27 January).
Funded by Bristol City Council and through a partnership also including the Universities of Bath and Liverpool, Bristol Drugs Project and The Loop, it will allow users to test whether what they have is safe to take.
Licenced by the Home Office, it is hoped the service will reduce harm from drug taking, whilst also providing a better understanding of the market and helping spread harm reduction messages to users.
Councillor Ellie King, Cabinet Lead for Public Health and Communities says she is "proud" that Bristol is the first UK city to get such a service.
She said: "This new initiative is ultimately going to save lives.
"It also means our communities will be able to access scientific and evidence-based information about the drugs that they may consume and that are in circulation.
"Bristol is leading the way in this innovative public health approach to keeping people safe around drugs which shows that, as a city, we put our people’s wellbeing at the forefront of decision making.
"This is about working in partnership to help reduce harm to our communities and empowering people to make safer, more informed choices, with access to drug treatment and further support."
Professor Fiona Measham, Founder and Chair of Trustees of The Loop and Chair in Criminology at the University of Liverpool, said it is a "landmark moment" for harm reduction.
"After 12 years of preparations, evaluations and negotiations, it is fantastic news that The Loop can start the UK’s first regular drug checking service," she said.
"With more cities due to follow soon, this launch represents the start of a new era for drug checking and it could not come at a more important time.
"The risks from adulteration of the illegal drug market have never been greater.”
At the new service drugs can be submitted for testing confidentially and for free.
The centre will be open once a month, with further testing dates to be announced in the near future.
Anna Smith, CEO of partner agency Bristol Drugs Project, said: “As an organisation committed to reducing the harms caused by drugs and alcohol, we are excited by the possibilities this service has for people in Bristol who use drugs.
“We have a proud history of championing progressive harm reduction and public safety interventions.
"We cannot wait to contribute our experience and expertise from 37 years of working in the city to this service.”
Drug checking services have operated successfully across Europe for four decades and have been piloted in the UK by The Loop since 2016, and Bristol in 2018.