MAKE IT SAFER –

April 7, 2024 – Exasperated by years of fruitless discussions while drug deaths mount, Martin Blakeborough told The Independent that he plans to pilot several “micro” drug consumption spaces. It’s an active debate we’re now having which I’ve basically forced onto the agenda, by saying, ‘We’re going to start this service with or without you.”

The boss of a major charity on the frontline of Britain’s drug deaths crisis has challenged authorities by announcing that he plans to open potentially life-saving overdose prevention facilities in a matter of months – with or without their help.

As drugs charities brace for a feared influx of lethally strong synthetic opioids to hit the UK, experts are urging Rishi Sunak’s government to end its longstanding opposition to facilities where people can consume illicit drugs in the presence of trained staff armed with the overdose reversal drug naloxone.

CONTINUE@Independent