Acorn Recovery Projects and The Wellspring are working together with Pennine Care NHS Trust to provide a weekly needle exchange programme to support active drug users in Stockport.
Funded by the National Lottery, the service will operate every Monday, providing a drop-in where people who use injectable drugs can safely get clean needles and return used ones.
Liz Ward, Substance Misuse Group Co-ordinator from Acorn in Stockport, said: “Our colleague Neil will be providing a needle exchange for people – including those who are homeless – in Stockport”.
“Working from the base of The Wellspring, a local homeless charity, we will provide daily provisions for the homeless community and provide healthcare and harm reduction to everyone. We will also be taking rapid referrals for people with opiate addictions”.
The service, which is operated by Acorn on behalf of Pennine Care NHS Trust, takes place every Monday from 10am until 2.30pm at The Wellspring on Harvey Street in Stockport.
By providing clean needles, the programme can help prevent the spread of dangerous infections like HIV and hepatitis C and reduce the risk of infections caused by using unclean equipment.
These services are not about encouraging drug use but protecting people who are already struggling with addiction. The needle exchange can also connect individuals with Acorn’s recovery support, offering them a chance to improve their lives.
Since 1997, Acorn Recovery Projects have provided lived experience recovery services that enable individuals to break free from addiction. They provide rehab, support services and community groups in Greater Manchester and Burnley.
The needle exchange programme will also help the wider community by reducing the number of used needles left in public places, keeping streets safer for everyone.
The Wellspring supports the people of Stockport that are homeless or at risk of losing their home. They provide the resources, understanding, and care that they need inside the community we all share.
If you would like to find out more about the service, please email contact@acornrecovery.org.uk
