London Launches First Free Drug Checking Service in Camden to Combat Dangerous Substances

KEY INFORMATION:

• London's first free drug checking service has opened in Camden Town.
• The service is operated by the charity The Loop in partnership with Change Grow Live.
• It aims to identify substances contaminated with synthetic opioids or other dangerous chemicals.
• Health professionals provide non-judgemental harm reduction advice and specialist support.
• The drop-in service operates on the first Saturday of every month from 12 pm to 7 pm.

A new drug checking service has opened in Camden to help reduce substance-related harm and provide targeted health support to residents.

The service is the first of its kind in London and is being delivered by the charity The Loop. It operates in partnership with Change Grow Live Camden, which serves as the council’s drug and alcohol service provider. This initiative is designed for dependent drug users. It provides them with accurate information about the chemical composition of substances they may consume.

Substance testing and harm reduction

Specialist chemists and health professionals from The Loop operate the hub. They test samples to identify whether drugs are contaminated by synthetic opioids or other highly dangerous substances. This data allows public health professionals and the police to understand which substances are currently in circulation. It also enables the early sharing of targeted harm reduction messages across the borough.

Users who access the service receive non-judgemental advice from health professionals. The intervention is part of a wider multi-agency approach in Camden. This strategy aims to reduce drug-related deaths and support individuals through the recovery journey.

Councillor Anna Wright, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, said: “While we’re clear that no drug use comes without risk, this service is crucial to understanding whether drugs that are contaminated by synthetic opioids or other dangerous substances may be circulating. Working alongside our partners, it gives us an opportunity to prevent harm at the earliest opportunity and to provide more specialist support to our residents who are most vulnerable to dangerous drugs.”

Accessing the service in Camden Town

The drop-in service is located at the Change Grow Live Camden hub in Camden Town. It is situated at Kings Studio, 43-45 Kings Terrace, London, NW1 0JR. The service is available to the public on the first Saturday of every month between 12 pm and 7 pm.

Katy Porter, CEO of The Loop, said: “This marks a major step for harm reduction in the UK. Following the introduction of The Loop’s Bristol-based service in 2024, crucially more people will now have access to regular drug checking. Hackney and Camden are the first of several London boroughs we are working with, alongside further cities.”

Other available interventions in the borough include one-to-one support with key workers and dedicated services for women. There is also specialist support for individuals sleeping rough. This service represents a shift toward evidence-based health interventions at a time when drug deaths in England have reached record levels.

OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION: This report is based on official data from Council / Local Authority. Document: London’s first drug checking service opens in Camden Source Link: https://news.camden.gov.uk/londons-first-drug-checking-service-opens-in-camden/

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