Drug users can now get help from a life-saving service launching in Hackney.
The Loop, the UK’s first drug-checking charity, will now provide habitual users clear information about the substances they consume and receive non-judgemental support from health professionals.
The charity promotes understanding of local drug markets, reduces drug-related harm and will share this knowledge with the borough.
Charity CEO, Katy Porter, said: “This marks a major step for harm reduction in the UK and represents another important shift toward evidence-based health interventions when drug deaths in England are at an all-time high.”
In 2024, Hackney alone had 20 drug-related deaths – the third highest in London.
Molly Longdon, a Hackney resident, said the scheme was “amazing” and “these people need help not constant punishment”.
This service is set to be fully funded by Hackney Council, supported by the Metropolitan Police, and The Loop’s health professionals.
Caroline Hickey, an Upper Clapton resident said the “UK is way behind European partners in this area” so “it’s a good thing” that a scheme is “finally in place”.
The Loop started as a research programme in 2010, when founder Professor Fiona Measham began investigating drug use at UK music festivals.
“Drug markets are more dangerous than ever and drug-checking can play a unique role in countering these threats. It reduces drug-related harm and the burden on emergency services and the NHS.”
Professor Fiona Measham
Illegal drug use costs the NHS £20 billion per year and is responsible for 7% of hospital admissions.
Erika Yabut, a Homerton resident, said “it’s great to see society helping others in need instead of criminalising them”.
In 2018, they opened the UK’s first-community based drug checking services in Bristol and Durham, and they are ambitious to widen the scheme to the general public with help from police, health trusts, and the hospitality industry.
