Following the launch of The Loop’s city centre drug checking service in Bristol in 2024, we are proud to announce the launch of London’s first regular drug checking services, delivered by The Loop in partnership with @hackneycouncil and @wemakecamden .
These new services bring The Loop’s pioneering harm reduction model to the capital, combining rapid chemical analysis of substances of concern with confidential, non-judgemental health consultations delivered by a team of chemists and healthcare practitioners.
Fully funded by the local authorities and supported by partners including local drug and alcohol services, public health teams, and the @metpolice_uk , the service forms part of a wider multi agency approach to reducing drug related harm in London.
Drug checking provides a unique opportunity to identify and communicate risks in the drug market in real time. As drug markets become increasingly complex, with more potent and unpredictable substances in circulation, our service supports both individual decision making and wider public health responses through early warning intelligence and targeted harm reduction messaging.
Both services will operate every month, throughout 2026.
This expansion marks an important step in improving access to evidence based harm reduction interventions and strengthening the collective response to drug related harm across the UK.
Read more on our website - link in bio.
This Saturday (16th) we are back in Hackney with our drug checking service.
How does drug checking work?
Step 1 > Surrender a substance for testing.
Step 2 > Fill out a brief assessment related to the substance - including what you think it is, and what your drug use is like.
Step 3 > We perform a number of lab tests on the substance, including a test for highly potent synthetic opioids.
Step 4 > After about an hour, we’re ready with the results, and there is an opportunity to speak openly and receive non-judgmental and factual information regarding drugs and harm reduction advice with a member of The Loop's healthcare team.
Find out more on our website, link in bio.
This Saturday we are in Camden with our drug checking service.
How does drug checking work?
Step 1 > Surrender a substance for testing.
Step 2 > Fill out a brief assessment related to the substance - including what you think it is, and what your drug use is like.
Step 3 > We perform a number of lab tests on the substance, including a test for highly potent synthetic opioids.
Step 4 > After about an hour, we’re ready with the results, and there is an opportunity to speak openly and receive non-judgmental and factual information regarding drugs and harm reduction advice with a member of The Loop's healthcare team.
Find out more on our website, link in bio.
This Saturday we are back in Bristol with our drug checking service.
How does drug checking work?
Step 1 > Surrender a substance for testing.
Step 2 > Fill out a brief assessment related to the substance - including what you think it is, and what your drug use is like.
Step 3 > We perform a number of lab tests on the substance, including a test for highly potent synthetic opioids.
Step 4 > After about an hour, we’re ready with the results, and there is an opportunity to speak openly and receive non-judgmental and factual information regarding drugs and harm reduction advice with a member of The Loop's healthcare team.
Find out more on our website, link in bio.
This Saturday we are back in Hackney with our drug checking service.
How does drug checking work?
Step 1 > Surrender a substance for testing.
Step 2 > Fill out a brief assessment related to the substance - including what you think it is, and what your drug use is like.
Step 3 > We perform a number of lab tests on the substance, including a test for highly potent synthetic opioids.
Step 4 > After about an hour, we’re ready with the results, and there is an opportunity to speak openly and receive non-judgmental and factual information regarding drugs and harm reduction advice with a member of The Loop's healthcare team.
Find out more on our website, link in bio.
This Saturday we are in Camden with our drug checking service.
How does drug checking work?
Step 1 > Surrender a substance for testing.
Step 2 > Fill out a brief assessment related to the substance - including what you think it is, and what your drug use is like.
Step 3 > We perform a number of lab tests on the substance, including a test for highly potent synthetic opioids.
Step 4 > After about an hour, we’re ready with the results, and there is an opportunity to speak openly and receive non-judgmental and factual information regarding drugs and harm reduction advice with a member of The Loop's healthcare team.
Find out more on our website, link in bio.
In the past month, The Loop opened two drop-in drug checking services in Camden and Hackney.
They will run fortnightly and, for London – a city famed for policing drugs with a gusto matched by its appetite for taking them – these are unprecedented times.
The Home Office-approved service allows users to drop off a controlled substance, which is then forensically tested by The Loop’s team (and a very handy spectrometer).
This is followed by a judgement-free consultation on what’s actually in it, and any questions you might have. Everything is free and anonymous 🤝
It builds on The Loop’s decade of work in clubs and festivals, plus a monthly service running in Bristol from 2024.
Swipe → for key FAQs, and hit the 🔗 in bio to go deeper.
Today is International Drug Checking Day. The Loop was the first to launch a regular drug checking service in the UK, introducing drug checking to Bristol city centre in January 2024.
Two years on, we’ve expanded our service into London in two different locations, Hackney and Camden.
Our free and confidential service is available to all. You don’t need an appointment or referral, just come along.
Our next drug checking dates are:
- 4th April in Camden
- 18th April in Hackney
- 25th April in Bristol
Find out more, including where to go on our website, link in bio.
🚨 New course announcement
Our Emerging Novel Synthetic Opioids & Other Drugs training is here, an expanded version of our previous course on nitazenes, now covering a wider range of rapidly evolving substances.
This interactive afternoon session is designed for people who work in an environment where people may take drugs including health services and local authorities to the night-time economy and community safety.
You’ll gain:
• Up-to-date insight into emerging drugs like nitazenes, xylazine and medetomidine
• Real-time data from drug checking services
• Practical harm reduction strategies, including overdose response
• A deeper understanding of current drug trends and risks
This is not entry-level, it’s for those ready to build on existing knowledge and stay ahead of fast-moving drug markets.
Delivered by trainers with real frontline experience, grounded in ongoing research and healthcare interventions.
Any questions email: [email protected]
Buy your ticket via the link in our bio.
This Saturday we are back in Bristol with our drug checking service.
How does drug checking work?
Step 1 > Surrender a substance for testing.
Step 2 > Fill out a brief assessment related to the substance - including what you think it is, and what your drug use is like.
Step 3 > We perform a number of lab tests on the substance, including a test for highly potent synthetic opioids.
Step 4 > After about an hour, we’re ready with the results, and there is an opportunity to speak openly and receive non-judgmental and factual information regarding drugs and harm reduction advice with a member of The Loop's healthcare team.
Find out more on our website - link in bio.
Benzodiazepines can carry serious risks, particularly when mixed with other substances or used regularly. We've created our benzo infographic to provide you with clear information to help make an informed decision.
If you or someone you know is using benzos, here are some key harm reduction points:
• Dose varies widely, always start low and wait before taking more
• Mixing with alcohol, opioids, or other depressants significantly increases risk
• Street benzos may be stronger than expected or contain different substances
• Tolerance and dependence can develop even after short periods of regular use
• Stopping suddenly can be dangerous, taper with medical support.
If you need support, speak to a healthcare professional.
Download the full-res infographic from our website. Link in bio.
