A needle-exchange programme (NEX) is a social policy based on the philosophy of harm reduction where injecting drug users can obtain injecting equipment. The aims of Inspires needle exchanges are to reduce the damage associated with using unsterile or contaminated injecting equipment, to prevent the spread of blood borne viruses (HIV, Hepatitis B & C).
The promotion of safer injecting practice forms a cornerstone of needle and syringe provision but also of other community interventions.
Inspire needle exchanges work in raising the topic of safer injecting and providing appropriate understandable information and advice to clients. Inspire supports pharmacies in providing this provision across East Lancashire.
What we provide:
- Various sized needles and syringes
- Foil
- Sterile water
- Pans
- Filters
- Sharps bins and used needle collection
- Blood borne virus testing
- Steroid advice
- Injecting site and wound care
- Naloxone training
- Condoms and sexual health advice