The Extern Street Injectors Support Service (SISS) uses experienced staff to assertively engage with street injectors in Belfast and to collect and dispose of inappropriately discarded injecting equipment.

Funded by the Public Health Agency and Belfast City Council, the project was established in 2017 by Extern in response to a rise in discarded injecting paraphernalia and people who utilise the Belfast City Centre area to inject heroin.

The hours of this service are varied, including evenings and weekends, and it provides a vital link to vulnerable drug users by assisting with access to temporary accommodation and healthcare services.

The project also offers service users Naloxone, a drug which is used to counteract the effects of opioids. If an overdose occurs, Naloxone - if administered quickly - allows time for paramedics to arrive and prevent death by respiratory failure.

The project team also works to build relationships with service users, in order to engage them on issues such as housing and healthcare and encourage responsible methods of disposing of used injecting equipment.

Throughout 2021, the team engaged with a total of 794 service users, collected 1,943 discarded needles in the city centre and surrounding areas, and provided 742 Naloxone anti-opiate kits to support those who are at risk of overdose.

The team also responded to 55 incidents in the city centre, as well as administering Naloxone a total of 31 times, alongside rescue breaths and chest compressions.

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SUPPORTING: Communities

HOW DO I ACCESS THIS SERVICE? The service does not hold specific cases, but staff will signpost and support people to access other services

OPENING HOURS 

Monday - Friday 9:00am - 9:00pm

Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm

Sunday 9:00am - 5:00pm

CONTACT:

9 Rosemary Street

Belfast

BT1 1LU

Tel: 028 9033 0433
Email: [email protected]