UK’s first drug checking service to launch in Bristol

The UK’s first regular drug checking service is set to launch in Bristol. The confidential and free programme will see substances of concern submitted for testing, before being destroyed.

The Bristol City Council-funded initiative will be delivered by harm reduction charity, The Loop, in partnership with the council and Bristol Drugs Project.       

It is set to open its doors for the first time tomorrow (January 27) and will run once a month, with additional testing dates to be announced later in the year.

Councillor Ellie King, cabinet lead for public health and communities, 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."

The Loop says it is able to start the UK’s first regular drug checking service after 12 years of preparations, evaluations and negotiations.  

The service has been licensed by the Home Office and in line with government policy.    

Anna Smith, CEO of partner agency Bristol Drugs Project, added: “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 across Europe for four decades and have been piloted in the UK by The Loop since 2016, and Bristol in 2018. 

Service users surrender substances of concern, which are later destroyed, for laboratory analysis by chemists, and test results inform local harm reduction messages and alerts.   

The drug checking service will also signpost and support people into treatment and other local health services where appropriate.