SWERVE – A Hackney-based harm reduction hub

A safe way to engage, resource, volunteer and empower

The London Joint Working Group, in partnership with The Hepatitis C Trust, runs a peer-led harm reduction hub based in Hackney, London. The service has been commissioned by Hackney Council, to provide flexible needle and syringe provision to reduce harms associated with drug use, but is operated independently to the council and its recovery service.

The hub is run by volunteers and staff with lived and living experience of drug use, to provide a safe and judgement-free community space where people can collect safer drug using kits, get harm reduction advice, and receive other support with accessing the services they need. 

The SWERVE team also run outreach to homeless and sex work and other vulnerable people at hotspots on foot and with a van and trailer across City and Hackney, visit local homeless shelters, and offer a freephone service through which NSP can be delivered to your location. 

SWERVE has a discreet women’s service in a location away from its main base in the Hackney CVS building, aimed at engaging with women who are less comfortable engaging with male peers for harm reduction kit and advice. 

Find the SWERVE at its permanent base in the Hackney CVS – Adiaha Antigha Centre E8 3AZ, from 12 – 4pm Monday to Friday.  To order NSP, naloxone, or to inquire as to the location of the van and trailer, call SWERVE’s freephone on 0800 061 4884.

To learn more about the work of the LJWG and SWERVE, contact reg.straub@hepctrust.org.uk