The Scottish Government has opened the UK’s first safer drugs consumption facility, the Thistle Centre, in Glasgow.
The groundbreaking initiative aims to reduce drug-related harm and support individuals in improving their lives.
During a tour of the state-of-the-art facility, First Minister Swinney and Health Secretary Neil Gray emphasised the centre’s pivotal role in Scotland's comprehensive approach to tackling drug misuse. The Thistle Centre, backed by an annual £2 million investment from the Scottish Government, will provide a supervised environment where individuals can inject drugs under the watchful eyes of trained healthcare and social care professionals.
The Thistle Centre’s opening marks a significant milestone in Scotland's efforts to reduce the dangers associated with drug injection, such as the transmission of blood-borne viruses like HIV. By offering a clean, hygienic space, the facility aims to minimise the negative impact of outdoor drug use on communities and local businesses.
“The Thistle Centre in Glasgow is the first facility of its kind in the UK and it is backed by £2 million a year from the Scottish Government,” said First Minister Swinney. “Every death related to drug misuse is one too many, and drug deaths in Scotland remain far too high. This facility is another significant step forward and will complement other efforts to reduce harms and deaths.”
The National Mission, launched by the Scottish Government, focuses on listening to those affected and incorporating their experiences into service design and delivery.
“Families and those with lived experience have been pivotal in bringing change and helping shape our response to drugs misuse in Scotland,” Swinney added. “Those with lived experience have been involved in designing the service and had input on staff recruitment.”
The involvement of individuals with lived experience ensures the Thistle Centre remains attuned to the realities of drug use, fostering a compassionate and effective support system.
As the Thistle Centre prepares to welcome its first service users, the Scottish Government remains committed to addressing the underlying issues of drug misuse and enhancing the overall wellbeing of individuals and communities across Scotland.
Scottish Health Secretary Neil Gray also commented:
“Worldwide evidence demonstrates that drug consumption facilities can help save and improve lives.
“The Scottish Government wants every person experiencing harm from alcohol or drug use to be able access the support they need and record levels of funding have been protected in next year’s budget. We’ve maintained £112 million to local Alcohol and Drug Partnerships for local treatment and support services in 2024-25 – including £28.1 million to Greater Glasgow and Clyde ADP – and will continue to invest in residential rehabilitation.
“A recent PHS report suggests that, in 2022-23, the Scottish Government reached its target of 1,000 individuals a year being publicly funded to go to residential rehabilitation and that the number of individuals starting a placement which was publicly funded is likely to have almost doubled between 2019-20 and 2022-23.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in getting this life-saving service up and running for their hard work.”
Image credit: iStock
