The Thistle facility in Glasgow had a successful opening week, attracting over 100 visitors and providing essential services for safer drug use.
Glasgow: The new drug consumption facility, The Thistle, just opened and had a great first week. Over 100 people showed up, which is really promising.
They opened on January 13 and had 131 visits. People could use safer injecting spaces and get clean equipment. Plus, they offered wound care and naloxone when needed.
What’s even better? There were no medical emergencies during this time. Users also enjoyed other services like showers and laundry. Some even started getting help for housing and drug treatment.
Cllr Allan Casey, who oversees addiction services, praised the staff for their hard work. He mentioned how intense the week was, with everyone watching Glasgow closely.
He’s thrilled that people are using all the resources at The Thistle. While it’s not a complete solution, having a safe and clean place can really help reduce overdoses and infections.
It’s a solid start, and the team is excited to welcome more people in the future. The Thistle has a dedicated staff, including nurses and social workers, ready to assist.
They’re open every day from 9 am to 9 pm, making it accessible for those in need.