Harm Reduction
Harm reduction is about keeping people as safe and well as possible. At Wirral Ways, you do not have to be ready to stop using substances to get support. We work with you where you are, helping reduce risks to your health, your wellbeing, and your life.
Using substances always carries some level of risk. Harm reduction is about lowering those risks as much as possible, protecting your health, and helping you stay safe. You do not have to stop using substances to access advice or support from Wirral Ways.
This information is here to help you make informed choices, reduce harm, and know when to get help.
Alcohol Harm Reduction
Practical advice on reducing risks linked to alcohol, including pacing drinks, mixing substances, recognising alcohol poisoning, and knowing when to seek help.
Opioids Harm Reduction
Information on staying safer when using opioids, including overdose risk, loss of tolerance, naloxone, and medication options that reduce harm.
Stimulants Harm Reduction
Guidance on reducing risks linked to cocaine, crack, and other stimulants, including hydration, sleep, mental health, and mixing with alcohol.
Blood-Borne Viruses and Sexual Health
Learn about HIV, Hepatitis B and C, testing, vaccinations, and safer sex, with clear links to support and local services.
Staying Safe Day to Day
Simple, practical tips to protect your health and wellbeing, including hydration, sleep, mental health, and safer use when alone.
Safer Use Information
General harm reduction advice to help reduce risks linked to substance use, whatever stage you are at.
Safer Injecting Advice
Step-by-step guidance on safer injecting practices to reduce the risk of infection, injury, and overdose.
Naloxone
Find out what naloxone is, how it works, who should carry it, and how to access free naloxone through Wirral Ways.
Mixing Substances (Polydrug Use)
Learn why mixing substances greatly increases overdose risk and how to reduce harm if mixing happens.
Benzodiazepines and Prescription Medicines
Safety information about benzodiazepines and other sedatives, including dependency risks, withdrawal dangers, and the risks of mixing with alcohol or opioids.
Medication and Harm Reduction
How medication can reduce harm, improve stability, and lower overdose risk, including opioid substitution treatment and long-acting options.
Harm Reduction for Specific Situations
Tailored harm reduction advice for real-life situations such as festivals, leaving prison or hospital, homelessness, Ramadan, and pregnancy.
Overdose Awareness and What To Do
Clear guidance on recognising overdose and alcohol poisoning, what to do in an emergency, and how quick action can save lives.
Advice for Steroid Users
Harm reduction information for people using anabolic steroids or performance-enhancing drugs, including safer use, injecting advice, and health risks.
Cannabis Harm Reduction
Advice on strength, tolerance, mental health impacts, and safer ways to reduce risks linked to cannabis use.
Needle and Syringe Programme (NSP)
Information about confidential needle and syringe services, safer injecting and smoking equipment, and safe disposal to reduce infection risk.
Last Updated on 10 February 2026