Southland, Nelson Marlborough, Dunedin - South Otago, Canterbury, South Canterbury > Mental Health & Addictions >
New Zealand Needle Exchange Programme Te Waipounamu / DISC
Addiction Service, Community Health
Today
44 Cass Street, Ashburton
Description
The New Zealand Needle Exchange Programme is a nationwide programme supporting people who inject drugs by providing access to needles, syringes and other harm reduction equipment, as well as harm reduction advice, information and education to support safe injecting practice, safer drug use and improving the health and wellbeing of people who inject drugs.
The Needle Exchange Programme is funded by Te Whatu Ora and provided by a number of regional trusts across the country. The programme consists of 21 dedicated outlets (including one mobile outlet) and is supported by around 200 participating pharmacies and alternative outlets.
As a programme, we are committed to upholding the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and to achieving equitable outcomes for our clients.
DISC TRUST:
The Drug Injecting Services Canterbury (DISC) Trust is provider of the New Zealand Needle Exchange Programme in the South Island. We operate five needle exchange outlets across the South Island (two in Christchurch and one each in Nelson, Ashburton, Timaru, Dunedin and Invercargill) and a mobile service to the West Coast and Northland.
We are a peer-based organisation, committed to a health and human rights-based service approach for people who use drugs. We follow a harm reduction model based on empathy and non-judgemental approach, working with people where they are at and however they understand their drug use.
We have an established credibility and trust within the community. We provide a safe space for people who inject drugs and are an important source of information and advice.
Staff
We are unique in as much as, all of the New Zealand Needle Exchanges are based on the concept of a peer service. This means that many of the staff and volunteers have either current or past lived experience of injecting drugs, which in turn allows you to access a service that has empathy and understanding from people who have often shared similar experiences.
Fees and Charges Categorisation
Free
Fees and Charges Description
No fees apply
Hours
44 Cass Street, Ashburton
| Tue | 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Fri | 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM |
Public Holidays: Closed Waitangi Day (6 Feb), Good Friday (18 Apr), Easter Sunday (20 Apr), Easter Monday (21 Apr), ANZAC Day (25 Apr), King's Birthday (2 Jun), Matariki (20 Jun), Labour Day (27 Oct).
Christmas: Closed 23 Dec. Open 24 Dec. Closed 25 Dec — 26 Dec. Open 27 Dec. Closed 28 Dec — 30 Dec. Open 31 Dec. Closed 1 Jan — 2 Jan. Open 3 Jan. Closed 4 Jan — 6 Jan. Open 7 Jan. Closed 8 Jan — 9 Jan. Open 10 Jan.
Languages Spoken
English
Programmes
Needle and syringe programmes are an important harm reduction intervention. In New Zealand they are commonly known as needle exchange programmes. People who are injecting drugs can access needles, syringes and other equipment to support safe injecting practice and reduce risk of health related complications. Needle exchanges also provide for the safe disposal of used needles and syringes. We follow a harm reduction model based on empathy and a non-judgemental approach, working with people where they are at and however they understand their drug use. Injecting drug users frequently experience stigma and discrimination; this can often present a barrier to accessing services. As peers mainly staff our exchanges, we have an established credibility and trust within the community. Needle exchanges are therefore a safe space and an important source of information and advice.
Needle and syringe programmes are an important harm reduction intervention. In New Zealand they are commonly known as needle exchange programmes. People who are injecting drugs can access needles, syringes and other equipment to support safe injecting practice and reduce risk of health related complications. Needle exchanges also provide for the safe disposal of used needles and syringes. We follow a harm reduction model based on empathy and a non-judgemental approach, working with people where they are at and however they understand their drug use. Injecting drug users frequently experience stigma and discrimination; this can often present a barrier to accessing services. As peers mainly staff our exchanges, we have an established credibility and trust within the community. Needle exchanges are therefore a safe space and an important source of information and advice.
- Regions
MidCentral, Hawke's Bay, East Auckland, Central Lakes, Southland, West Auckland, Waikato, Hutt, Taranaki, Waitaki, Wellington, Lakes, North Auckland, Tairāwhiti, South Auckland, North Shore, Waitakere, Rodney, Dunedin - South Otago, Manukau, Papakura, Franklin, Central Auckland, Canterbury, Northland, Nelson Marlborough, West Coast, Bay of Plenty, Whanganui, Wairarapa, South Canterbury
- Age Groups
Youth / Rangatahi, Adult / Pakeke, Older adult / Kaumātua
- Referral Types
Self referral
Referral Process
The needle exchange programme consists of 21 dedicated exchanges, one being a mobile exchange, and 198 pharmacies and alternative outlets.
Click here to find your nearest needle exchange outlet.
Description
Needle and syringe programmes are an important harm reduction intervention. In New Zealand they are commonly known as needle exchange programmes.
People who are injecting drugs can access needles, syringes and other equipment to support safe injecting practice and reduce risk of health related complications.
Needle exchanges also provide for the safe disposal of used needles and syringes.
We follow a harm reduction model based on empathy and a non-judgemental approach, working with people where they are at and however they understand their drug use. Injecting drug users frequently experience stigma and discrimination; this can often present a barrier to accessing services. As peers mainly staff our exchanges, we have an established credibility and trust within the community. Needle exchanges are therefore a safe space and an important source of information and advice.
In addition to exchanging injection equipment, Needle Exchanges offer free help and advice to injecting drug users about health issues . You should bear in mind that advice or information given is not designed to replace that of health or legal professionals but is offered as a more user friendly, realistic and practical nature. Whilst none of the needle exchanges offer treatment for addiction problems they are able to give an overview of services available in various regions of the country. We can also help people find assistance that is most appropriate to them, from a range of community based services, such as detoxification and methadone through to more intensive residential based services.
In addition to exchanging injection equipment, Needle Exchanges offer free help and advice to injecting drug users about health issues . You should bear in mind that advice or information given is not designed to replace that of health or legal professionals but is offered as a more user friendly, realistic and practical nature. Whilst none of the needle exchanges offer treatment for addiction problems they are able to give an overview of services available in various regions of the country. We can also help people find assistance that is most appropriate to them, from a range of community based services, such as detoxification and methadone through to more intensive residential based services.
- Programme Areas
Addictions - drug & alcohol
- Programme Type
Peer support (AOD), Community / social support (AOD)
- Regions
Canterbury
- Age Groups
Youth / Rangatahi, Adult / Pakeke, Older adult / Kaumātua
- Referral Types
Self referral, GP, DHB clinical services, Corrections
Referral Process
Contact us. Walkin. Website App.
Injecting and harm reduction equipment can be purchased from the NZNEP online shop at www.nznep.org.nz/shop.
Description
In addition to exchanging injection equipment, Needle Exchanges offer free help and advice to injecting drug users about health issues . You should bear in mind that advice or information given is not designed to replace that of health or legal professionals but is offered as a more user friendly, realistic and practical nature.
Whilst none of the needle exchanges offer treatment for addiction problems they are able to give an overview of services available in various regions of the country. We can also help people find assistance that is most appropriate to them, from a range of community based services, such as detoxification and methadone through to more intensive residential based services.
We are a FREE, CONFIDENTIAL and NON-JUDGEMENTAL service that provides Hepatitis C testing, advice, information, support, referrals and treatment. We offer hepatitis C treatment onsite which includes further screening, assessment and FibroScan (assesses liver stiffness) for those seeking treatment. People diagnosed with cirrhosis (severe liver scarring) are referred into specialist care at Christchurch Hospital. As required, staff provide outreach to AOD and other mental health services within Christchurch city.
We are a FREE, CONFIDENTIAL and NON-JUDGEMENTAL service that provides Hepatitis C testing, advice, information, support, referrals and treatment. We offer hepatitis C treatment onsite which includes further screening, assessment and FibroScan (assesses liver stiffness) for those seeking treatment. People diagnosed with cirrhosis (severe liver scarring) are referred into specialist care at Christchurch Hospital. As required, staff provide outreach to AOD and other mental health services within Christchurch city.
- Programme Areas
Addictions - drug & alcohol
- Programme Type
Community / social support (AOD)
- Regions
Canterbury
- Referral Types
Self referral, GP, DHB clinical services, Corrections
Referral Process
Clients may self refer or be referred by other services or health providers.
The clinic is open to anyone who has reason to believe they have been exposed to Hepatitis C and who wish to undertake testing and/or treatment.
Description
We are a FREE, CONFIDENTIAL and NON-JUDGEMENTAL service that provides Hepatitis C testing, advice, information, support, referrals and treatment. We offer hepatitis C treatment onsite which includes further screening, assessment and FibroScan (assesses liver stiffness) for those seeking treatment. People diagnosed with cirrhosis (severe liver scarring) are referred into specialist care at Christchurch Hospital.
As required, staff provide outreach to AOD and other mental health services within Christchurch city.
Free, confidencial and non judgemental Drug Checking service that is responsible for performing & overseeing licensed drug checking & harm reduction functions on behalf of the Needle Exchange Services Trust.
Free, confidencial and non judgemental Drug Checking service that is responsible for performing & overseeing licensed drug checking & harm reduction functions on behalf of the Needle Exchange Services Trust.
- Programme Areas
Addictions - drug & alcohol
- Programme Type
Peer support (AOD), Community / social support (AOD)
- Regions
Southland, Wellington, Dunedin - South Otago, Canterbury, South Canterbury
- Age Groups
Youth / Rangatahi, Adult / Pakeke, Older adult / Kaumātua
- Referral Types
Self referral
Referral Process
Come into the Needle Exchanges during opening hours of the drug checking Clinics.
Description
Free, confidencial and non judgemental Drug Checking service that is responsible for performing & overseeing licensed drug checking & harm reduction functions on behalf of the Needle Exchange Services Trust.
We are a FREE, CONFIDENTIAL and NON-JUDGEMENTAL service that provides Hepatitis C testing, advice, information, support, referrals and treatment. We offer hepatitis C treatment onsite which includes further screening, assessment and FibroScan (assesses liver stiffness) for those seeking treatment. People diagnosed with cirrhosis (severe liver scarring) are referred into specialist care. As required, staff provide outreach to AOD and other mental health services
We are a FREE, CONFIDENTIAL and NON-JUDGEMENTAL service that provides Hepatitis C testing, advice, information, support, referrals and treatment. We offer hepatitis C treatment onsite which includes further screening, assessment and FibroScan (assesses liver stiffness) for those seeking treatment. People diagnosed with cirrhosis (severe liver scarring) are referred into specialist care. As required, staff provide outreach to AOD and other mental health services
- Programme Areas
Addictions - drug & alcohol
- Programme Type
Community / social support (AOD)
- Regions
Southland, Nelson Marlborough, West Coast, Dunedin - South Otago, Canterbury, South Canterbury
- Age Groups
Youth / Rangatahi, Adult / Pakeke, Older adult / Kaumātua
- Referral Types
Self referral, GP
Referral Process
Clients may self refer or be referred by other services or health providers.
The clinic is open to anyone who has reason to believe they have been exposed to Hepatitis C and who wish to undertake testing and/or treatment.
Description
We are a FREE, CONFIDENTIAL and NON-JUDGEMENTAL service that provides Hepatitis C testing, advice, information, support, referrals and treatment. We offer hepatitis C treatment onsite which includes further screening, assessment and FibroScan (assesses liver stiffness) for those seeking treatment. People diagnosed with cirrhosis (severe liver scarring) are referred into specialist care.
As required, staff provide outreach to AOD and other mental health services
- Stick it to HepC (JPG, 190.9 KB)
Disability Assistance
Wheelchair access
Additional Details
Face to face / Kanohi ki te Kanohi
Region
Southland, Nelson Marlborough, Dunedin - South Otago, Canterbury, South Canterbury
Website
Contact Details
44 Cass Street, Ashburton
Canterbury
-
Phone
(03) 308 137
Email
Website
NEAR, 44 Cass Street
Ashburton
Street Address
NEAR, 44 Cass Street
Ashburton
Postal Address
PO Box 22176
Christchurch 8140
108 Seaview Road, New Brighton, Christchurch
Canterbury
-
Phone
(03) 388 0726
Email
Website
278 King Edward Street, South Dunedin, Otago
Dunedin - South Otago
-
Phone
(03) 479 2300
Email
Website
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This page was last updated at 12:28PM on October 8, 2024. This information is reviewed and edited by New Zealand Needle Exchange Programme Te Waipounamu / DISC.