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Peer-delivered needle exchange: the role of social networks in accessing injecting equipment and the implications for harm reduction interventions
Lloyd Belcher, University Lecturer, Thames Valley University, London

Abstract
Objective: This presentation draws upon a study recently conducted in Leeds that provides an insight into issues of needle exchange accessibility, risk behaviour, social surveillance and the role of social networks in enabling access to injecting equipment for a hidden population of injecting drug and steroid users. In light of the findings of this study, the implications for harm reduction interventions that target injecting drug users in terms of affording anonymity, convenience and ease of access will be discussed.

Methods: Injecting drug users from specific sub-groups were interviewed to gain insight into the networks that they belonged to and evaluate the level of access to injecting equipment as well as the existence of secondary needle exchange networks. This approach employed a convenience sampling method where willing participants were recruited from attendees at the static specialist harm reduction services in addition to the needle exchange vans that provide outreach services across the city.

Results: The findings of this study identified the difficulties that both the participants and other injecting drug users within their networks experience in terms of accessing needle exchange services due to operating times, location and issues of social surveillance. By drawing upon the research findings, this presentation will discuss the implications for harm reduction interventions that target injecting drug users in terms of affording anonymity, convenience and ease of access.

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Biography
Lloyd has 16 years professional experience working with drug users within the UK, Hong Kong and Taiwan. This includes managing services such as residential rehabilitations, prison interventions, needle exchanges, group work programmes, arrest referral, drop-in services, street outreach and young people services.

Before joining the Substance Use and Misuse Studies (SUMS) team at Thames Valley University, Lloyd worked with a Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) where he was responsible for harm reduction, shared care and service user development.