If you inject drugs, we are here to help you stay as safe and healthy as possible.
Our needle and syringe provision (NSP) offers free and sterile injecting equipment, as well as harm reduction advice and support.
Our service is confidential, non-judgemental, and free. You do not need to use our drug service to access needle and syringe provision. You can also use NSP if you inject performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs), weight loss drugs, or are transitioning.
You can access NSP with us, or with participating pharmacies across Staffordshire.
What is needle and syringe provision?
Needle and syringe provision (sometimes called needle exchange) is a harm reduction service.
It provides sterile injecting equipment and safe disposal of used equipment, to help people who inject drugs reduce health risks.
Using sterile equipment each time you inject can help prevent:
- Blood borne viruses such as HIV and hepatitis C
- Infections and injuries
- Overdose
You can also get health advice and support if you want it. Our staff are here to listen and help you, and never judge you.
What we provide
You can get free and sterile injecting equipment and harm reduction supplies, including:
- Needles and syringes
- Cookers/spoons
- Filters
- Vitamin C
- Water for injection
- Sharps bins
- Foil
- Condoms and lube
- Naloxone (for overdose prevention)
- Low dead space (LDS) equipment
- Wound care packs
- Blood borne virus (BBV) testing
If you have used equipment, you can return it to us, or anywhere you see the national needle exchange sign, and we will safely dispose for you.
We also provide free annual health and injecting technique check-ups for anyone injecting drugs.
Overdose prevention with naloxone
Naloxone is an emergency medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an overdose on opioids, such as heroin and methadone.
It’s free and it saves lives.
At STaRS, we can provide free naloxone kits and training, so you know how to use it in an emergency.
How to access needle and syringe provision in Staffordshire
If you need access to free needles and injecting equipment on the island, NSP is available at:
- Our service. Click here to contact us.
- At participating sites, such as pharmacies.
This service is confidential, and you do not need to give your personal details to receive equipment.
Pharmacies that offer needle and syringe provision
Click below to view a full list of pharmacies that offer NSP.
Need more support?
If you would like help with your own, or someone else’s drug or alcohol use, we can support you.
Contact our team or make a referral online.