Lisburn & Castlereagh Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) has welcomed the relocation of a RAPID drug disposal bin to Glenavy Family Practice, improving accessibility and visibility of the scheme within the local community.
The RAPID (Remove All Prescription and Illegal Drugs) initiative is a joint health and community safety programme that facilitates the safe disposal of prescribed, illegal and illicit drugs through the installation of secure drug disposal bins in publicly accessible locations across Northern Ireland.
Chair of Lisburn & Castlereagh PCSP, Councillor Alan Martin, said: “Relocating the RAPID bin to Glenavy Family Practice places this important facility in a more central and accessible location for the community. By providing a safe and anonymous way to dispose of prescription and illegal drugs, we are helping to reduce harm and remove potentially dangerous substances from circulation.
"PCSP is proud to work alongside our partners to support safer, healthier communities.”
Sergeant Paul Marsh, Lisburn Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team commented: “The PSNI fully support the relocation of the RAPID bin to a more accessible location in Glenavy. Offering a secure and anonymous option for disposing of unwanted or illegal drugs helps prevent misuse, lowers the risk of harm, and strengthens our continued efforts to address drug-related issues in the community.
A representative from Glenavy Family Practice said: “We are pleased to support the RAPID initiative by hosting the bin at our premises. As a local healthcare provider, we recognise the importance of reducing the risks associated with unused or unwanted medication and helping to promote safer communities.”
Neil Dougan & Nicole Johnston, South-Eastern Connections Team ASCERT added: “The RAPID scheme is not only about safe, anonymous disposal of all illegal drugs and prescription medication from circulation within the community, it is also about education and signposting to support. We encourage anyone affected by substance use to reach out for advice and guidance as support is available and early intervention can make a real difference.”
The RAPID scheme is supported through partnership working and is complemented by community education, information sharing and signposting to support services. The overall aim of the initiative is to reduce risk at individual, family and community level in relation to drug use and availability, ensuring that unwanted drugs can be safely removed from circulation.
There are currently five RAPID bins installed across the Lisburn and Castlereagh area with two new bins being installed at Ballymacash Community Centre, Lisburn and the Ulster Hospital, Dundonald.
- Spar, Upper Newtownards Road, Dundonald
- Seymourhill Shops, Rowan Drive
- Resurgam Healthy Living Centre, Laganview Enterprise Centre, Lisburn
- Simon Community, Flush Park, Lisburn
- Glenavy Family Practice
The relocation in Glenavy demonstrates the continued commitment of local partners to adapting and strengthening the initiative to meet community need and help create safer communities.
For further information about the RAPID scheme please visit: https://drugsandalcoholni.info/campaigns/rapid/