What we do
Safe Space
Creating safer festivals through peer-based support and care.
We provide assistance on each festival goer's own terms to reduce substance-related harms and discomfort. We strive to meet everyone who comes to us with openness and curiosity, and without judgment.
Safe Space draws inspiration from the Zendo Project, and we base our work on their principles and methodology. Visit the website.
Safe Space draws inspiration from the Zendo Project, and we base our work on their principles and methodology. Visit the website.
Safe spaces
Fundamental to our work is the idea of the "safe space." This is a secluded and calm area within the festival grounds where individuals experiencing a negative reaction after consuming a substance can come for peace and, if necessary, assistance. The location and setup are coordinated with event organizers, and we bring our own equipment.
Support
In many cases, having a safe and calm person by your side can be enough to avoid or mitigate an unpleasant drug experience. We will provide support for someone in this situation by being there and reassuring them that everything will be okay, as well as by providing an environment where they can feel comfortable and calm down.
Evidence-based harm prevention strategies
Illicit drug use prevention strategies have long been founded in zero tolerance ideals without regard for unintended consequences or evidence of effect. We work to promote evidence-based drug prevention, as well as proven harm reduction measures like our own drug analysis service.
Innovation in the treatment of drug use and mental health disorders
Many interventions for drug use disorders have limited efficacy and/or high relapse rates, while some of the most promising remain understudied or underutilized. We work to promote research on new interventions and new applications of existing interventions, and ensure adequate access to care.
Drug policies of tomorrow
Today's drug regulatory paradigm leaves much to be desired if the goal is harm minimization and consumer safety. We work to develop future regulatory models for all drug types (alcohol included) that can minimize both drug-related health harms and drug-related crime.
Political advocacy work
Progressive drug policy changes tend to come from civil society engagement. We meet with policymakers on all levels to inform their decisions with the latest research and knowledge in the field. We also participate in the public debate and arrange debates about ongoing policy processes.
Public education and information
Public information campaigns about illicit drugs have historically been abstinence-oriented and focused on communicating risk in a non-statistical and non-pragmatic manner. We work to educate the public by providing more nuanced risk assessments and risk-reducing precautions.
Harm reduction services
What we do
We cannot wait for political change to occur before we implement harm reduction measurements for people who need them. Therefore we run our own health clinic and our own drug analytic service. This is made possible by crowd funding. It sets an example for politicians to be inspired by, as they are able to see the effects of them.
Support us
Support us by becoming an international member or making a donation.
Affiliation
Would you like to join us in our work for safer and better drug policies?
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