Welfare first: transforming harm reduction at UK festivals.

Abstract

Background: A welfare-first approach to harm reduction at UK festivals is emerging as a critical strategy for enhancing festival safety. In particular, the implementation of anonymous, non-punitive drug-checking services is posited as essential for reducing drug-related harm by enabling informed decision-making. This empirical study examines the limitations of punitive drug policies and the associated risks to public health and explores the potential benefits of decriminalisation in fostering safer festival environments.

Methods: The study employed qualitative methodologies, including semi-structured interviews and questionnaires with festival attendees at three major UK festivals. This empirical data was supplemented by a review of recent studies (Ivers et al. in Ir J Med Sci 191(4):1701-1710, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-021-02765-2 ; Palmer Maynard in Harm Reduc J 19(1):81, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-022-00662-0 ; Cooney and Measham. in Drug Sci Policy Law 9, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1177/20503245231211444 ) and relevant policy documents, in order to evaluate current harm reduction practices and identify key barriers, such as stigma, social control, and criminalisation.

Results: Analysis revealed that integrated harm reduction measures, comprising drug-checking services, welfare support, and early intervention initiatives, significantly enhance safety by empowering individuals with timely, accurate substance information. A majority of participants expressed a clear preference for drug-checking services, underscoring their willingness to engage when these services are provided in a supportive, non-punitive environment. However, persistent challenges related to punitive drug policies and gaps in public education about harm reduction continue to impede optimal service delivery. Evidence further suggests that a shift towards decriminalisation and welfare-based approaches could mitigate these risks and foster more trusting engagement with harm reduction initiatives.

Conclusions: The findings indicate that prioritising welfare-first harm reduction strategies, particularly the implementation of anonymous drug-checking services, can create safer festival environments and inform broader public health policies. The study underscores the need for policy reforms that move away from punitive approaches, suggesting that festival-based interventions can serve as scalable models for reducing drug-related harm across diverse community settings.