Harm reduction services in Ferndown help people who use drugs to stay safer while they continue using — reducing the risk of overdose, blood-borne viruses, and other serious harms. Services include needle and syringe exchange, free naloxone, drug checking, safer use advice, vaccinations (Hepatitis B), HIV testing, and outreach. Harm reduction is a core component of the UK drug strategy and is available free across Ferndown without judgement and without requiring abstinence.
Showing 8 CQC-registered centres from Bournemouth (10 km away) — these centres may accept referrals.
Harm reduction services in Ferndown operate on the principle that reducing drug-related harm is a legitimate goal in itself — not a compromise or a consolation prize for failing to achieve abstinence. Needle and syringe programmes dramatically reduce HIV and Hepatitis C transmission. Take-Home Naloxone programmes save lives by putting overdose reversal medication directly in the hands of people most at risk. Drug checking services (where available) prevent deaths from unknowingly contaminanted substances.
In Ferndown, harm reduction services are typically provided by NHS drug and alcohol services, specialist outreach teams, and some community pharmacies. You do not need to be in treatment or want treatment to access harm reduction services. Many people's first contact with drug services in Ferndown is through harm reduction — and this often becomes a bridge into treatment when someone is ready.
Source: ONS Drug misuse deaths 2023 release. Data covers South East England — the NHS region serving Ferndown. Drug-related deaths are defined as deaths related to drug poisoning, drug misuse and dependence.