The focus of the 2026 National Harm Reduction summit in Bristol – which was also a celebration of the Bristol Drug Project’s 40th birthday – was on how lessons from the past could help us shape the future. DDN reports.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
‘Harm reduction is about meeting people where they are, protecting health and saving lives,’ said Lydia Plant of Bristol Drugs Project (BDP) and Stuart Smith of The Hepatitis C Trust in a joint statement about their National Harm Reduction Summit (NHRS), held in Bristol.Â
The purpose of the two-day summit was to take stock of a rapidly changing environment and ever-evolving drug market, and look at how peer-led and community approaches could be at the forefront of reaching people underserved by traditional services. It was also an opportunity to link with colleagues and partners in all areas of healthcare to make a more ‘accessible, equitable and resilient’ harm reduction system.
'We need to be a strong voice - harm reduction shouldn't depend on your postcode.’ STUART SMITH, THE HEPATITIS C TRUST
'We keep doing the same thing because we don't listen to an alternative.’ VICKI BEERE, UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER
The organisers
Bristol Drugs Project (BDP) is a charity providing harm reduction and treatment services for people who are experiencing a negative relationship with drugs and/or alcohol. With 40 years of experience, our goal is to support people towards the changes they want to see in their lives no matter what they may be.
The Hepatitis C Trust is a charity dedicated to eliminating hepatitis C in the UK by 2030. The trust champions the right of every person at risk of hepatitis C in the UK to receive effective testing, treatment and care.Â
This is achieved by empowering people with lived experience, influencing policy and practice, and working with healthcare and treatment services to deliver support and raise awareness about hepatitis C.
‘It's not just about sterile equipment. The most important part is building relationships. Stigma is still, sadly, very prevalent.' LOUISE HANSFORD, THE HEPATITIS C TRUST
'If we don't have each other, we don't have safe spaces.' SHAYLA SCHLOSSENBERG. RELEASE
On the eve of the National Harm Reduction Summit, Transform hosted a get-together to assess failing drug policy – and harness energy from Bristol being declared the first official city of harm reduction. DDN reports