Vulnerable 'at risk' as drug needle site closes

A drug needle exchange in Belfast is set to close within days because the charity which runs the service is losing its city centre premises.

The exchange, run by Extern, allowed people who inject heroin or cocaine to safely dispose used needles, receive clean needles and access health services.

The service will shut on 2 November and move to a "significantly reduced street-based service" following the loss of Extern's Royal Avenue premises.

The charity described the needle exchange as a "life-saving service" and warned that its closure meant vulnerable people would have "nowhere to go" to access support.

"The people who use this service are someone's son, daughter, brother, sister, parent or friend," said Mal Byrne, Extern's director of harm reduction and mental health services.

"They are members of our community, and, for many, this service is one of the few places where the door is open for them and where they can ask for help without judgement.

"That door is now closed until a space is secured to operate from."

Extern has also warned that the closure may mean substance use becomes more visible to the public in the city centre, along with an increase in drug-related litter.

Kaynak: BBC News Health RSS (Açık Basın / Haber Servisi)