Needle Exchange

Needle Exchange Service | Allied Pharmacies

The Needle Exchange Service is a free and confidential service available at selected Allied Pharmacies. It provides access to sterile needles, syringes and safe disposal options for people who inject drugs, helping reduce the risk of infection and improve community health.

This service allows individuals to collect clean injecting equipment and safely return used needles or sharps without needing an appointment. Our pharmacy team can also provide advice on safer injecting practices and signpost support services when needed.

Use the postcode search to find your nearest Allied Pharmacy offering the Needle Exchange Service.

What is a Needle Exchange Service?

A needle exchange service, also known as a needle and syringe programme, provides sterile injecting equipment to help prevent the sharing or reuse of needles.

These programmes are an important public health service designed to reduce the spread of blood-borne infections such as HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, which can be transmitted through contaminated injecting equipment.

Community pharmacies often provide this service because they are accessible healthcare locations where people can obtain equipment and advice quickly and confidentially.

How the Needle Exchange Service Works

The service is simple and designed to be easy to access.

When visiting an Allied Pharmacy providing the service, you can: 

• Collect sterile needles and syringes
• Obtain injecting equipment and harm-reduction supplies
• Safely dispose of used needles or sharps
• Receive advice on safer injecting practices
• Access information about drug treatment and support services

You do not need an appointment to access the service, and your privacy will be respected.

Why Needle Exchange Services Are Important

Needle exchange programmes play a key role in protecting both individuals and the wider community.

Using sterile equipment can help:

• Reduce the spread of HIV and hepatitis infections
• Prevent skin infections and abscesses
• Encourage safe disposal of used needles
• Provide access to health advice and support services

These programmes are part of a wider harm-reduction approach designed to improve health outcomes for people who inject drugs. 

Confidential Advice and Support

Allied Pharmacies provide a confidential and non-judgemental environment where individuals can access support.

Our pharmacists can also signpost people to additional services, including:

• Drug and alcohol support services
• Counselling or therapy options
• Community health services
• Treatment programmes for substance use

The aim of the service is to help reduce harm while connecting people with the support they may need.

Who Can Use the Needle Exchange Service?

The service is available for people who inject drugs and require sterile injecting equipment to reduce health risks.

You can access the service without needing a referral or appointment.

If you are unsure whether the service is available at your local branch, speak to your pharmacist or use the postcode search above to locate a participating pharmacy.

Find a Needle Exchange Near You

Needle exchange services are available at participating Allied Pharmacies across the UK.

Use the postcode search above to find your nearest pharmacy offering free sterile injecting equipment and safe sharps disposal.

Our pharmacy teams are committed to providing safe, confidential support and healthcare advice for the local community.