Harm reduction
Harm reduction is about helping people stay as safe and healthy as possible while using drugs or alcohol. You do not need to stop or want to stop using to get support from Harm Reduction.
We know everyone’s situation is different. Our job is to listen, support you, and help reduce risks, without judgement or pressure.
Our Harm Reduction team works across Leeds with people who:
- Use a range of drugs including heroin, crack, benzos, etc
- Use alcohol
- Use image and performance-enhancing drugs (IPEDs)
Drugs, markets, and risks change. We work with you, not against you, to reduce harm and keep you safer.
Harm reduction is rooted in respect, dignity, and social justice. We offer a safe space to talk openly and help reduce stigma around drug use.
You can access harm reduction support at any point, whether you want advice, equipment, or help linking into other services.
Assessment and Engagement Team
Our Assessment and Engagement Team offers specialist support for people with drug or alcohol use, often alongside mental health needs. They can:
- Carry out initial assessments
- Help you access treatment if and when you want
- Provide outreach support
- Support people in hospital
- Help connect you to the right services
They work across our Leeds hubs in Armley, Seacroft and the city centre:
The team can be a way into support to cut down or stop, while still meeting you where you are and keeping harm reduction at the centre.
Needle Exchange (Free & Confidential)
We provide free, confidential needle and syringe exchange at our hubs.
Seacroft – Irford House Every afternoon, 12:30–4:30
City Centre – Kirkgate All day 9:30–12:00 then 12:30–4:30
Armley – 3 Armley Court Every afternoon, 12:30–4:30
Our harm reduction workers also do outreach across Leeds, meeting people where they are. They can provide:
- Sterile injecting equipment
- Safer injecting advice
- Naloxone kits
- Ongoing support
We also work with nine pharmacies across Leeds that offer needle exchange, so you can access equipment closer to home.
Using clean equipment reduces the risk of:
- HIV
- Hepatitis
- Infections
- Vein damage
This helps protect you and the wider community. View our map of needle exchanges in Leeds.
Community Safety Worker
Our Community Safety Worker helps reduce harm caused by drug-related waste in local areas. They:
- Respond to reports of discarded needles and drug waste
- Collect waste or arrange safe removal
- Support pharmacies that offer needle exchange
- Work closely with the Harm Reduction team
This helps keep communities safer for everyone.
Overdose Prevention
Our Overdose Prevention Co-ordinator works across all of our main sites. They make sure staff and services are trained to:
- Recognise overdoses
- Respond quickly
- Use naloxone safely
They also work with services across Leeds to improve overdose awareness and reduce risk.
Naloxone Saves Lives
Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose and save a life. We can:
- Give you a naloxone kit
- Show you how to use it
- Answer any questions
Naloxone kits are available at all of our main sites and a number of pharmacies across Leeds. View our map of pharmacies in Leeds stocking naloxone.
If you use opioids, or know someone who does, having naloxone nearby could save a life. Read more about naloxone on our dedicated advice page.
Speak to any Forward Leeds worker to get a kit. We’re here to support you.