In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Joe Janes, a Lecturer in Criminology at Swansea University, and Barod's Operations Manager, Sian, who is the visionary and pioneer behind Spike on a Bike (SOAB). SOAB is a service offered by Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) where you can get sterile injecting equipment and other harm reduction services delivered straight to your door – fast and for free, and is the only service of its kind, in all of Europe.

Sian takes us back to over 10-years ago and how the situation of 'Stan', an individual who injected heroin in rural West Wales, inspired the thought of an innovative harm reduction service that was eventually implemented in November 2021. Joe also highlights what data has been captured to date and showcases how SOAB has led to both a raft of positive outcomes, as well as people engaging with traditional harm reduction services, that otherwise wouldn't have, if it wasn't for SOAB.

If you have been affected by the issues discussed in this episode, please visit barod.cymru and confidentially chat to a trained support worker via Barod's Live Webchat Service, that is open 7-days a week, or call Dan 24/7, Wales' national drug and alcohol helpline on 0808 808 2234.