30 January 2025
History has been made in Glasgow, Scotland, with the opening of The Thistle, the United Kingdom’s first Safer Drug Consumption Facility (SDCF), on Monday, 13 January 2025.
This significant achievement resonates deeply with INHSU, following the INHSU 2022 Policy Day at our annual conference in Glasgow. This event brought together many of the stakeholders involved in the SDCF, offering a platform to share their vision, learn from successful international models, and contribute to shaping a Policy Brief advocating for these life-changing interventions.
“Seeing the SDCF brought to life is a testament to the tireless efforts of dedicated individuals and organisations across Scotland. We extend our congratulations to everyone involved in this significant step forward for harm reduction in the UK,” says Emma Day, Executive Director of INHSU. “It has been incredibly rewarding to witness this historic achievement, and we look forward to sharing Scotland’s results at future INHSU conferences to inspire and educate others to follow in their footsteps. This is a powerful example of what can be achieved through collaboration and a commitment to evidence-based solutions.”
About The Thistle
Developed by Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) in collaboration with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) and other partners, The Thistle offers a supervised healthcare setting where people can inject drugs in a clean, hygienic environment, under the care of trained health and social professionals.
The facility aims to reduce the negative impacts of outdoor injecting on local communities while providing people who use drugs with access to essential health services, harm reduction support, and pathways to improve their lives. The facility sets a precedent for the UK, demonstrating how evidence-based approaches can save lives, support communities, and uphold the dignity of people who use drugs.
Tour the Thistle
