Belfast: New drug needle exchange ‘life-saving’, say experts

“There are very few families in Northern Ireland who have not been impacted by drugs and alcohol,” Mr Cameron said.

“Unfortunately the shame and the stigma stops people from talking about that publicly or even seeking help.

“This is about people’s lives. Everyone we are talking about is someone’s son, someone’s daughter.”

Mr Cameron described part of the role of the needle exchange as engaging with and building a rapport with people.

He said it was important to get people at an early point of their drug use so the service can provide help and support and refer them to services before they acquire any bloodborne viruses or other injecting-related injuries.

Mr Cameron said there was a wider issue in terms of the cost of drug use on the healthcare system.

“Every penny spent on harm reduction services like this saves money further on down the line in our A&E services. Early intervention and education is key,” he said.