Newcastle University student’s union are making drug testing kits easily available to their students - here we look at what’s happening and why.

Why are the test kits being introduced?

The drug testing kits are part of the ‘Test your drugs, not yourself’ campaign from Students for Sensible Drug Policies’ (SSDP) Newcastle Chapter. The campaign follows on from the successful drug awareness week the SSDP carried out at the university where the group educated students on the contaminants that are in illegal drugs. The campaign’s aim is to make students more aware about what substances they are taking.

How much are the kits?

The kits are £3. The SSDP received a grant from the Newcastle University Student Union to buy the and has been working with UK-based company EZ testing to acquire them at cost prices. Savings which will be passed onto the students.

Does this mean Newcastle University now condones drug use?

No. The university, SSDP and the Student Union have all stressed that they are not promoting drug use in any way. The idea behind the drug testing kits is to make students who are taking drugs aware about what it is they are actually consuming.

How do the test kits work?

The testing kits work on chemical reactions with different substances turning different colours. SSDP say this process allows people to see what other substances might be in their drugs so students can make a more informed choice about what exactly they are taking by using the colour chart provided with the kit.

Where do I get them from?

The testing kits are available from the Student Advice Centre on campus during opening hours Monday-Friday 9am – 5pm.

What are the SSDP saying about the kits?

Zoe Carre, founder of SSDP Newcastle and who over sees all national projects for SSDP UK said Newcastle University and its students are leading the way in progressive harm reduction for students.

“The campaign aims to allow students to make a more informed choice about their own substance use, through the provision of drug testing kits alongside evidence based information. The overall objective is to prevent serious harm from adulterated substances and save students’ lives,” she said.

“Students across the UK and globally would benefit from expanded access to such interventions.”

What is the Students Union saying?

Luke Allison, the student union’s welfare and equality welcomed the SSDP’s work on educating students on drug use.

“The SSDP are the ones leading the project but we’re very happy that we’re supporting them,” he said.

“Our approach to drug policy is that the safest way to take drugs is not to take them at all. But students still do and I think if you don’t acknowledge that student’s take drugs or that anyone in society takes drugs, then you’re ignoring them and if you’re ignoring them their problem is going to continue.”

“Staying away from drugs is obviously the best way to reduce your harm to drugs. But if you’re acknowledging that students will still take drugs then we need to try and promote other ways to reduce harm to those people.”

What is Newcastle University saying?

A Newcastle University spokesperson said: “The University does not condone any illegal activity, and students who are found to be using or possessing drugs or other illegal substances are subject to robust disciplinary procedures. Nevertheless, we recognise that some students do use, or plan to use, drugs and would strongly encourage them to seek support through our Student Wellbeing Service. An emphasis on education and harm reduction is an important part of our approach.”