The Loop
@theloopuk
Award winning UK drug checking charity (#1200533) founded in 2012 TEDI member ‘Top 20 public health achievement of the C21st’ (as voted by RSPH) We promote harm reduction, health & wellbeing through drug checking, testing, research, training & information.
Ten years after The Loop delivered the UK’s first drug checking service, David Hillier looks back at the people, negotiations and years of work behind that moment and the journey that followed. Read Checkmate: tinyurl.com/yj383p9r @whatareyou0n.bsky.social @fmeasham.bsky.social
On Saturday, we are drug checking in #Bristol How does it work? 1. Surrender a substance 2. Tell us what you think it is & about your drug use 3. We do lab tests inc. a test for synthetic opioids 4. After ~1 hour, we have results & can give honest advice wearetheloop.org/drug-checking
In 2017, The Loop received the UK Festival Awards ‘Innovation Award’ in recognition of introducing FTIR for harm reduction onsite at clubs and festivals from 2013 onwards. FTIR has since been adopted by drug checking services around the world. @drugscience.bsky.social @liverpooluni.bsky.social
We won a bunch of awards, including the Association of Independent Festivals’ ‘Act of Independence’ Award! @fmeasham.bsky.social @steverolles.bsky.social
The launch was featured across media and social media, nationally (including @theguardian.com and BBC R4 Today) and internationally, as far away as Brazil.
Ten years ago today, The Loop introduced drug checking in the UK, at Secret Garden Party and Kendal Calling festivals.
On Saturday we are drug checking in #Hackney. How does it work? 1. Surrender a substance 2. Tell us what you think it is & about your drug use 3. We do lab tests inc. a test for synthetic opioids 4. After~1 hour, we have results & can give honest advice wearetheloop.org/drug-checking
Tomorrow we are drug checking in #Camden How does it work? 1. Surrender a substance 2. Tell us what you think it is & about your drug use 3. We do lab tests inc. a test for synthetic opioids 4. After ~1 hour, we have results & can give honest advice wearetheloop.org/drug-checking
Drug checking in Bristol this weekend: drop-off at No 11 Brunswick Square - the pink door - with results at the Unitarian Hall, over the road. Open 12–8pm. Last drop-off: 7pm. Results are usually ready in around an hour. More info: wearetheloop.org #Bristol #HarmReduction
On Saturday we are drug checking in #Bristol How does it work? 1. Surrender a substance 2. Tell us what you think it is & about your drug use 3. We do lab tests inc. a test for synthetic opioids 4. After ~1 hour, we have results & can give honest advice wearetheloop.org/drug-checking
Clear, practical harm reduction messaging is a public health intervention. As festival season continues, The Loop is sharing its Crush. Dab. Wait. advice on MDMA crystal. THREAD
On Saturday, we are drug checking in #Hackney How does it work? 1. Surrender a substance 2. Tell us what you think it is & about your drug use 3. We do lab tests inc. a test for synthetic opioids 4. After~1 hour, we have results & can give honest advice wearetheloop.org/drug-checking
Last week, The Loop welcomed Stoftest Danmark (stoftest.org) for shared learning around drug checking and harm reduction. International collaboration helps build safer, more informed communities and strengthen access to drug checking for everyone who needs it. #DrugChecking #HarmReduction
On Saturday we are drug checking in #Bristol How does it work? 1. Surrender a substance 2. Tell us what you think it is & about your drug use 3. We do lab tests inc. a test for synthetic opioids 4. After ~1 hour, we have results & can give honest advice wearetheloop.org/drug-checking
Tomorrow we are drug checking in #Hackney How does it work? 1. Surrender a substance 2. Tell us what you think it is & about your drug use 3. We do lab tests inc. a test for synthetic opioids 4. After ~1 hour, we have results & can give honest advice wearetheloop.org/drug-checking
Tomorrow we are drug checking in #Camden How does it work? 1. Surrender a substance 2. Tell us what you think it is & about your drug use 3. We do lab tests inc. a test for synthetic opioids 4. After ~1 hour, we have results & can give honest advice wearetheloop.org/drug-checking
Today is #InternationalDrugCheckingDay Our free & confidential service is for all. 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: wearetheloop.org/drug-checking
On Saturday we are drug checking in Bristol. How does it work? 1. Surrender a substance 2. Tell us what you think it is & about your drug use 3. We do lab tests inc. a test for synthetic opioids 4. After ~1 hour, we have results & can give honest advice wearetheloop.org/drug-checking
This weekend (21st March) we're in #Hackney with our new London-based drug checking service. Find out more: wearetheloop.org/drug-checking #DrugChecking #DrugTesting #HarmReduction
Our new benzos infographic is here! Download the full version from our website: wearetheloop.org/posters-info... #HarmReduction
On Saturday our drug checking service is taking place in Hackney. Drug checking can help people understand risks and make more informed decisions. No drug use is risk free, but accurate information can reduce harm. Find out more: wearetheloop.org/drug-checking
⚠️ We have launched 2 new drug checking services in London - in @hackneycouncil.bsky.social & @camdencouncil.bsky.social. Read our statement below & check out our website for more info: wearetheloop.org/media-centre...
This Saturday we are back in Bristol City Centre with our FREE drug checking service 📅 Saturday, 28th February 🕗12-7pm 📍Bristol Drugs Project, 11 Brunswick Square, BS2 8PE Visit our website for more information: wearetheloop.org/drug-checking
Two years of Home Office licensed city centre drug checking. Two years of honest conversations, evidence-led harm reduction, and meeting people where they are. This video was made for our launch. In 2026, drug checking is growing into more city centres. www.facebook.com/reel/1606758...
On Saturday we are in Bristol City Centre, with our drug checking service - the first one of 2026. 📅 Saturday, 31st January - 12-7pm 📍 Bristol Drugs Project, 11 Brunswick Square, BS2 8PE Please save and share our calendar!
👩🏫New training: UK drug market recap of 2025 🕕 18:00 - 21:30 GMT 📅 14 Jan '26 📍 Online 🎟️ www.eventbrite.com/e/uk-drug-ma...
Our cocaine harm reduction snake has been updated for 2026. Clear guidance on dosing, mixing risks, nasal health and when to seek help, all in one clear visual. Download it free from our website and share it widely. wearetheloop.org/resources #GoSlowStayLow
Stay safe this Christmas. Visit our last drug checking service of 2025 today in Bristol. 🗓️ 20th December 🕛 12pm - 7pm 📍Bristol Drugs Project, 11 Brunswick Square, Bristol, BS2 8PE
2025 in numbers: 1254 samples tested this summer across 27 days. MDMA pills averaged 193mg - 97% over 100mg. Ketamine most common powder. No nitazenes detected. Our advice stays the same: #GoSlowStayLow & #CrushDabWait 👟👇🕑
