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About the scheme
Needle Exchange was started in 1987 and it is in place to help to
prevent the spread of blood borne infections from sharing needles
and paraphernalia. We also offer safer injecting advice and health
awareness.
Needle Exchange is a completely separate and confidential service
from the other treatment options that WGCADA offers.
Who is the scheme suitable for?
The Needle Exchange is available to all injecting drug users over
the age of 16. Clients who are planning to inject and want advice
can also access it. The exchange can be assessed by under 16 year
olds however there is a different registration process.
Support Services
Clean injecting equipment and paraphernalia is offered. We have
recently been funded to also provide injecting drug users with not
only clean needles, but also sterile water, citric acid and steri
cups which have a sterile filter in them. We also provide canisters
and sharps bins for safe disposal of used needles.
As well as running the exchange from the agency we also offer an
outreach service which allows clients to contact the Needle Exchange
Project Worker on their mobile phone and so delivery can be made
to the client's home or at a designated meeting place. We also pick
up any returns they have.
As well as offering clean equipment and safe disposal of used needles,
we also offer other support services such as safer injecting advice,
health advice and alternative methods of use and brief intervention.
Hopefully in the future we will be able to offer some vaccinations
to clients for Hep B.
Next Step
The needle exchange has mainly self referrals, but we also offer
referrals from other sources such as inter agency; GPs; Probation
etc.
When a client comes in to refer a short registration form is completed
to obtain basic details such as initials and date of birth. Injecting
sites are also inspected and injecting problems can then be discussed.
Once registered the clients can access the exchange at any time
during opening hours, as well as accessing the outreach service.
They don't only have to come in for exchange though some clients
use if for some brief intervention work, or to get referred on for
substitute prescribing and treatment.
Contacts
The Workers in Neath Port
Talbot and Bridgend
work closely together and meet on a regular basis to discuss any
queries or problems.
Bridgend: 01656 667717
Neath Port Talbot: 01639 633630
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