Our needle and syringe exchange scheme provides injecting drug users access to sterile needles, syringes and other equipment and the safe disposal of used needles and syringes.

The service promotes health protection for intravenous drug users and to reduce the risk of passing on infections to others. However, needle exchange is not just for people who inject heroin, crack or amphetamine. The service is also for those who use or are about to start using:

• steroids or other performance or image enhancing drugs (PIEDs)
• psychoactive compounds, chemicals, plants or medicines
• methamphetamine, ketamine or medicines

Project based needle exchange staff provide advice and information on issues related to these substances. Simply let them know what you’re using and they’ll ensure you get the right equipment. They’ll also be happy to discuss your injecting practice and any concerns or questions you may have in relation to it. 

Needle exchange services

Needle and syringe exchange is available through selected pharmacies and drug treatment agencies displaying the needle exchange logo.

Some pharmacies can issue basic needle and syringe packs and accept used needles and syringes. See syringe pack contents list.

Agency-based needle exchanges offer a wider range of equipment in addition to further harm reduction advice, testing for blood-borne viruses (BBVs) and inoculation for hepatitis A and B. There is also the opportunity to discuss treatment options.

Some basic and anonymous details will be asked for on the first visit. There will be an expectation for you to use the same information at every exchange. 

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