The United Kingdom's first official drug consumption room has facilitated more than 600 referrals to vital support services within its inaugural year of operation, new data reveals. The facility, named The Thistle and located in Glasgow's east end, offers a medically supervised environment for individuals to inject drugs, aiming to prevent overdoses and connect users with long-term help.
A Year of Operation: Key Figures and Impact
According to figures released by Glasgow City Council, the service recorded a staggering 11,348 visits in its first twelve months. These visits were made by 575 registered users, with 7,827 of those visits involving use of the supervised injection facility. Crucially, staff at the centre were able to intervene and treat 93 medical emergencies on-site, incidents that could have proved fatal elsewhere.
The primary goal of the centre was always twofold: to provide immediate protection from harm and to act as a gateway to recovery. The latest statistics confirm this second function is being actively pursued. Since opening, staff have made 612 referrals to other support services. The most sought-after assistance was for housing issues, followed by referrals to dedicated drug recovery programmes and services for blood-borne viruses.
Political Support and Future Expansion
Scottish Drugs Minister Maree Todd stated the facility has had a "profound impact" since its launch. "Through the ability of staff to respond quickly in the event of an overdose it has undoubtedly saved lives," she said, highlighting the £2.3 million in Scottish Government funding backing the project. She praised the "evidence-based approach to safeguarding life and reducing drug-related harm."
Allan Casey, Glasgow City Council's convener for workforce, homelessness and addiction, called the first-year results "very encouraging." He noted that "people are engaging with the service and trusting it as a safe space," adding that each visit represented a chance to reduce harm and connect individuals with support.
The facility's launch followed a protracted, decade-long political struggle between the UK and Scottish governments. The previous Conservative government in Westminster initially resisted by refusing to grant a waiver to the Misuse of Drugs Act, a barrier that was eventually overcome. Buoyed by the initial success in Glasgow, Edinburgh City Council is now exploring plans to open a similar facility in the Scottish capital.
Exceeding Expectations in Public Health
Pat Togher, chief officer of the local health and social care partnership, remarked that The Thistle had "exceeded expectations" in its first year. The data underscores a shift towards treating drug addiction as a public health emergency rather than solely a criminal justice issue. The model demonstrates how providing a safe, non-judgmental space can serve as a critical first point of contact for some of society's most vulnerable individuals, offering a path away from addiction through practical and compassionate support.
