Soho Needle Exchange Closes for Good

The Needle Exchange program in Soho has terminated its service, a scheme where addicts can access clean needles, rehabilitative support and healthcare for free. 

Watsons Pharmacy on Frith Street, in the middle of Soho, was running the program for years before its closure.

The Needle Exchange programs allow addicts to safely get rid of their dirty needles and receive packs of 20 needles each, with vitamin C packets and hygiene wipes. This ensures the safe disposal of dirty needles, and greatly lowers the chance of ‘needle-sharing’ and cross contamination. This has been historically proven to significantly lower the overall rate of blood-borne diseases such as AIDs, HIV and Hepatitis B and C.

Needle Exchange schemes were first introduced in England in 1985 in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
There are now 14 different Needle Exchange schemes located all across London.

As well as providing clean needles, the needle exchange schemes also offers the opportunity for users to learn about safe injecting practises, access into treatment services and education on drug use in general. It is a chance for substance users who are not currently in treatment to engage with someone who can provide advice and information.

The reason for closure is unknown. It must be noted, however, that these programs can cause controversy with neighbours and local businesses.
They sometimes see them as enabling IV drug use by supplying paraphernalia.
They also haves said in the past that they don’t want needle exchange programs attracting IV drug users to their neighborhoods and scaring off customers.

The impact the closure of this clinic will surely have a detrimental impact on drug users in Soho.

The extent of its impact, however, remains to be seen. 

sources:

https://nhssmpa.org/blog/needle-exchange