Dear Messenger
I am writing as an Outreach Needle Exchange Worker for Turning Point in response to ‘Wardens at the Sharp End’ in the November 2005 issue. I particularly want to respond to the quote, “We definitely need a drugs project to come in [to Burngreave] and offer needle exchange and health advice”.
Sharp Action is a mobile Needle Exchange working as part of the Turning Point service Rockingham Drug Project to provide drug users with health advice, clean equipment, a means to dispose of used equipment, and referral into other drug services in their locality. Posters advertising the service can be found in the Information Shop, in the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, the Wicker chemist or the Burngreave Drug Project.
Since 30th October 2005 the mobile needle exchange service has been visiting Burngreave once a week parking close to Denholme woods, within walking distance of the railway arch at the bottom of Brunswick Road, both areas highlighted by the report as being the worst for needle littering in Burngreave.
We have also worked with Burngreave Drug Project to provide free Drug Awareness and Sharp Handling training sessions to the Burngreave Wardens featured in the report, addressing some of the issues they face when working to clear the sites you mention.
Our primary concern is safety, that of the individual and the community. As a group of agencies working together we are committed to addressing all aspects of drug use in Burngreave.
Emilie Taylor, Turning Point, Rockingham Drug Project