Harm reduction and needle exchange

Our Harm Reduction team works across Cumbria to help people to reduce the harm that may be caused by their alcohol and/or drug use.

Needle Exchange

The team provides needle exchange services at two of our hubs in Barrow-in-Furness, Kendal, Whitehaven, Workington and Carlisle. Harm Reduction workers also go out and about across the whole region, providing an outreach service for needle exchange, harm reduction and support to people.

We also work with eight pharmacies in Cumbria to make the needle exchange service is available in their shops.

View our map of needle exchange locations across Cumbria.

The aim of the needle exchange service is to reduce the rates of equipment sharing among people who inject drugs. This reduces the risks of infection and drug-related harm.

Naloxone Kits Save Lives

The Harm Reduction team can provide people with a naloxone kit. Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, buying vital time for the emergency services to arrive. We give people the knowledge and training they need to be able to use naloxone in emergency situations. Speak to any worker within Recovery Steps Cumbria about getting a naloxone kit.