Needle Exchanges

The Needle and Syringe Exchange Service is a free, confidential service for people who actively inject drugs. Its purpose is to reduce the likelihood of infections, and the transmission of blood borne viruses such as Hep C by providing free, sterile injecting equipment and by disposing of used equipment safely. 

Needle exchanges are places where you can confidentially access sterile and safe injection kits and needles. If you are someone who injects drugs then these services are essential in harm reduction when doing so.

Using compromised needles can lead to infections at the sight of injection, as well as the transmission of blood borne viruses such as Hep C or HIV.

You can get advice on harm reduction when it comes to injecting drugs, as well as sterile supplies and life saving naloxone kitss. All services provided at needle exchanges are free and confidential.

There are also services to check on, and care for wounds on injection sites that may be infected. You can also get tested for blood borne viruses that you may have been exposed to, as well as treatment for these viruses if you do test positive. 

Any service or pharmacy that has the needle exchange symbol (shown below) will provide needle exchange services. You will see this symbol at all of our hubs, showing that we offer needle exchange services. 

If you live somewhere remote, you can order needle exchange supplies or find advice on harm reduction from such websites as Orion Medical Supplies,or Exchange Supplies. These are free services and will be delivered to your home.  

For anyone living in Devon or Dorset, you can find a list below of the available needle exchanges at our hubs that you could access in person.

If you live in Dorset, you can have injecting equipment, associated paraphernalia and naloxone delivered direct to you. This service is free and equipment is delivered in plain, unidentifiable packaging. Register now to get started with ordering your supplies. You will need to use the drop down menu and choose “Humankind Home Deliver’ and then make an account. You will then be taken to a second page for Reach where you can order your supplies. Please visit: https://orionmedical.co.uk/registration/