Harm reduction

The Harm Reduction team works throughout Leeds to help people to reduce the harm that may be caused by their alcohol and/or drug use.

Needle Exchange

The team provides needle exchange services at our three hubs – at Irford House in Seacroft, Kirkgate in the city centre and at Armley Park Court every afternoon. Harm Reduction workers also go out and about across the whole city, providing an outreach service for needle exchange, harm reduction and support to people who’d benefit from the service and want to reduce drug and alcohol related harm.

As part of the needle exchange service, the team oversee 15 city wide pharmacies where the needle exchange service is available.

A list of where you can access Needle Exchanges across Leeds.

The aim of the needle exchange service is to reduce the rates of equipment sharing amongst injecting drug users thereby preventing the risks of infection and drug related harm amongst individuals and their communities.

Naloxone Kits Save Lives

The Harm Reduction team can provide a naloxone kit to service users. They will give people the knowledge to be able to use the kit if needed. This is a potentially life-saving piece of kit that temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. Speak to any worker within Forward Leeds about getting a naloxone kit. Find out more about naloxone.