the future is now

The Harm Reduction Hub proves that drug services do not need to be clinical to keep people safe

We began as a pilot in response to a wave of overdose deaths, to show an alternative future for drug services which are by and for people who use drugs.

What the Hub Provides

We provide free, confidential, and non-judgemental harm reduction equipment and advice, including take-home naloxone (injectable and nasal spray) and overdose response training, drug checking strips (testing for nitazenes, fentanyl, xylazine, and benzodiazepines), reagent test kits, sterile needles, syringes and injecting equipment, and safer consumption supplies for smoking, snorting, and other routes of administration.

Alongside harm reduction supplies, visitors can pick up free safer sex supplies (condoms and lubricant), public health information (including hepatitis prevention and treatment information and support registering with a GP), ‘Know Your Rights’ bust cards and legal guides, signposting to specialist health and housing services, and referrals to Release’s legal and drugs advocacy teams.

Our Hub operates as a welcoming, low-threshold Public Living Room and warming centre in Bethnal Green. Anyone is welcome to drop in without an appointment or assessment to have a free cup of tea or coffee, warm up, relax in a safe and supportive environment, or have a friendly conversation with our team and peers.

We provide free phone charging stations and access to computers and the internet so visitors can stay connected with loved ones, manage Universal Credit or housing applications, attend virtual appointments, and access essential online services.

Why the Hub works:

  • No appointments needed
  • 30 seconds or 3 hours – the length of your visit is up to you
  • No urine drug screens
  • No intake assessments
  • No “motivation” requirements
  • No minimum periods of abstinence required to get involved

Keep us independent & responsive to the needs of our community

We exist as a community space by and for those at the most risk of the toxic drug supply crisis and relatedly, those most harmed by prohibition and the criminalisation of poverty. In order to maintain this, we rely on unrestricted funds. If you can spare a one-off or small recurring donation please do help us continue the good work by donating here. 

For just £5, we can buy 30 needles and syringes, 900 alcohol swabs, or 25 condoms – that is a lot of harm reduced for just a bit of spare change!

Donate to Support the Hub →

Find Us

Our hours change sometimes depending on volunteer capacity — follow our Instagram (@harmreduxhub) or have a peek at the calendar below for biweekly offers like Wednesday lates.

Address: 395 Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 9RA
Open in Google Maps ↗

Email: ask@release.org.uk

Hub Opening Hours

  • Monday to Thursday: 14:00 – 17:00
  • Every other Wednesday: 19:00 – 22:00 (Wednesday Lates)
  • Saturdays: 16:00 – 19:00
  • Friday & Sunday: Closed

The calendar below has the exact dates for clarity.

Live Hub Opening Calendar

Check the live Google Calendar below for this week’s exact opening times, including our fortnightly Wednesday Lates and volunteer-led weekend sessions: