My name is Sorcha and I’m the ‘Festival and Nightclub Harm Reduction Lead’ at Bristol Drugs Project. Having started in this role in November, I spent the winter months learning the ropes at BDP, booking slots at some of Bristol’s biggest and best events, dreaming of a summer dancing to some of my favourite bands and DJs. But alas, the world had other plans…
Covid hit and it quickly became clear that this summer was going to be completely devoid of sound systems, dancefloors and dirty porta-loos. All the events we had planned were either cancelled or postponed and my role quickly shifted towards supporting Bristol’s most vulnerable drug taking community who had been housed in temporary accommodation due to the pandemic. It’s been a challenging few months but I am so proud to have been part of this response and am in awe of the dedication and adaptability of everyone at BDP.
this time I have looked to develop what support we can offer to people who use party drugs, both recreationally and problematically. ‘The Drop’ was born and I’ve been writing weekly blogs about various topics such as safer partying during Covid through to, how to get your drugs tested. I launched our Twitter, relaunched our Instagram and set up our WhatsApp (07814617687, messages answered 9-5 Monday – Friday) so you can contact us in more ways than ever before. I’m also working with the University of Bristol and UWE to develop our dedicated support for students who use drugs or are affected by the drug use of someone else.
The next stage is to plan what The Drop will become once nightclubs reopen, festivals return and face to face contact becomes more feasible. As a harm reduction service we recognise that our target audience (you!) understand what support you need better than we ever can. That’s why we’re launching a survey where you can have your say on what services and support you would like so we can provide a service that best meets your needs. If you would like to be involved, follow this link. If you provide us with contact details at the end you will be entered into a prize draw (prize TBC).
Whilst I won’t be seeing any of you on Bristol’s dancefloors just yet, please get in touch if you’re struggling with your drug use, if you’re concerned about a mate or you just want some advice on how to stay safe next time you use drugs. We’re here to help in whatever way we can.
Stay safe,
Sorcha x
Our free Behind The Scenes series of talks returns in 2020 for professionals and students wanting to find out more about the shape of alcohol and other drugs in Bristol and the support we offer.
Each talk will offer a brief overview of our 30+ year history, supporting some of the most vulnerable people in Bristol. This will be followed by a focus on one specific area of support we offer around alcohol and other drugs, including:
Jan 23 | Health & Harm Reduction Find out about health and harm reduction support provided in BDP’s Health & Harm Reduction Centre and outreach projects.
Feb 20 | Children & Families Find out how we support young people around their own or a parent’s alcohol or drug use.
With the holiday season upon us BDP will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day with the Health & Harm Reduction Centre closing slightly earlier on the 24th, 27th and 31st December.
Please see below for our opening times and which services are running over the holiday season.
Health & Harm Reduction Centre
Monday 23rd December
9am – 8pm
Tuesday 24th December
9am – 5pm
Wednesday 25th December
Christmas Day – Closed
Thursday 26th December
Boxing Day – Closed
Friday 27th December
9am – 5pm
Saturday 28th December
10am – 5pm
Sunday 29th December
Closed
Monday 30th December
9am – 8pm
Tuesday 31st December
9am – 5pm
Wednesday 1st January
New Years Day – Closed
Thursday 2nd January
Services return to normal hours.
Mobile Harm Reduction Service
During the holiday season, Filwood and Hartcliffe will be the only Mobile Harm Reduction Service locations open: Monday 23rd and 30th. All services return to normal hours on Thursday 2nd January.
Out-of-Hours Support
If you live in Bristol and need help with a personal, family or accommodation problems which has reached a crisis, you can contact Bristol’s Emergency Duty Team who provide services at nights, weekends and on bank holidays.
A big thank you to everyone who attended and supported BDP’s Creative Communities’ festive performance.
Merry Moot 2019 marked the first time all our Creative Communities joined together – featuring 30 members from across Rising Voices Recovery Choir, Step Ladder Drama Group and Bristol Recovery Orchestra, with decorations by Create Space Art Group. The free performance welcomed an audience of 80 people, including those affected by addiction, homelessness and isolation, as well as healthcare professionals and members of the public.
Your Feedback
The drama group were wonderful to watch, a funny and poignant piece. It was a beautiful thing to share songs and music with others in recovery or those affected by it, and have been inspired to reconnect with the musical part of me which I thought I’d lost!
We’d love to hear your feedback from the day. Please complete our quick survey to let us know what you thought of the performance.
The performance would not have been possible without the support of The National Lottery Community Fund, the Unitarian Meeting Hall, Bristol Symphony Orchestra, Josephine Boswell, Joseph Branston and the many peers and volunteers who helped on the day.
We would also like to thank the many local businesses and business owners who donated prizes for our raffle, which included: Bristol Old Vic, Bristol Symphony Orchestra, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Headwind Music, Yogafurie, Jamaica Street Stores, Poco Tapas Bar, Pie Minister, Peoples Republic of Stokes Croft, Jo Whiteland and Dina Bianchi.
The raffle has now been called. Thanks to everyone who entered and helped us raise £283 on the day. That’s a total of £600 raised over 3 weeks through raffles, cake sales and donations! All money raised has gone to help fund the day’s performance.
Creative Communities
The festive season can be a lonely time for adults affected by alcohol and other drugs. Our Creative Communities have been bringing adults together through creativity to help support their recovery. Our orchestra, choir, drama and arts groups provide safe and supportive environments for adults affected by alcohol and other drugs, to have fun, create and perform alongside people who have had similar experiences. Groups are open to adults with a willingness to learn a new creative skill, no matter their experience. Attending helps to increase feelings of connection and confidence and self-esteem, while reducing anxiety and depression.
2019 has seen our Creative Communities double in size, with the introduction of an orchestra in January and art group in November. In 2020 we look forward to welcoming our 50 plus social group into the family, providing them with more opportunities to get creative. Our Creative Communities will continue to provide a unique way for people to process their feelings and emotions around recovery without having to find the words to do so.
A time to come together to honour & remember our loved ones.
Last Saturday, families and friends from across Bristol and the South West came together for a unique memorial, remembering and celebrating the lives of loved-ones lost as the result of alcohol and other drugs.
‘A Celebration of Life’ is annual memorial organised by Bereavement Through Addiction (BTA) a support network launched by two parents, Joan and Paul, who lost a child as the result of addiction in 2008.
If someone dies from cancer or an accident, whole families and friends are offered counselling and support. We had nothing and felt ostracised in our community. Some people suggested ‘aren’t you relieved it is all over.’ In fact we would gladly have the chaos and pain back, to have him alive and still have hope of his recovery.
The event, run in partnership with Bristol Drugs Project and a range of dedicated individuals, was held at Bristol’s oldest building St James Priory. The service was led by Reverend Richard Pendlebury, and featured a range of readings and performances, including songs by the Gasworks Singers and Rising VoicesBristol’s Recovery Choir.Compare Tyres website
Click below to find out more about BTA’s monthly support group and when the next memorial will be.
