Needle exchange

A needle exchange is a free and confidential service for people who inject drugs. It reduces the spread of blood borne viruses by:

• giving out sterile injecting equipment
• disposing of used equipment safely

You can access WithYou's needle exchange services directory, or the directory available from Public Health Dorset.

Do not share or re-use equipment. If you cannot access a needle exchange please contact With You, who will arrange a delivery to you. Talk to your support worker if you live in supported housing.

Naloxone to treat an opiate overdose

Naloxone is a life saving drug which can temporarily reverse an opiate overdose.

If you misuse opiates and do not have a naloxone kit, please contact With You to get a kit.

If you are living with or know someone who is misusing opiates, we recommend that you also carry a naloxone kit.

Naloxone will also work on synthetic opioids. Synthetic opioids are a new type of drug that are very strong and very dangerous. They have been found in other drugs across the UK, so people might not know they are taking them. If you or someone you know are using drugs that you suspect could be cut with opiates (including synthetic), you can contact With You to get a naloxone kit or get your drugs tested.

You can also read more about synthetic opiates. 

Blood borne viruses

If you have been put at risk of catching a blood borne virus (hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV) through drug misuse, you can get tested for free through We Are With You and REACH.

The Hep C Trust also offer free hepatitis C testing and support in our area and across Dorset for anyone affected by hepatitis C. For more information you can visit the Hep C Trust website or call the Wessex Peer Coordinator on 07495 154 385.

A free home test lets you carry out a confidential finger prick test at home and then send the blood to get tested. If the test is positive, the NHS will be in touch to give the result and will help to get treatment.