WithYou

26/08/2025

Zolpidem is turning up in UK conversations more and more, often not for sleep, but for surreal, unpredictable highs.

Used outside prescription, it can cause:
• Hallucinations
• Memory loss
• Sleepwalking
• Dangerous blackouts

People have driven, cooked, and fought under the influence, without remembering.
Mixing it with alcohol or benzos makes it far riskier.

Treat Ambien like the powerful drug it is.

21/08/2025

Illicit diazepam use is rising in the UK and it’s not about “getting high.”

For many, it’s about coping.
With anxiety.
With trauma.
With withdrawal.
With pain.

But the risks are real:
• Counterfeit pills often more dangerous, unregulated substances
• Mixing with alcohol or painkillers can be deadly
• Dependence can build quickly, and withdrawals are intense

If you’re using, take steps to stay safe.
And if you’re struggling? Support exists. You’re not alone.

Speak to us today at wearewithyou.org.uk

20/08/2025

MDMB-4en-PINACA is a synthetic cannabinoid that’s been linked to sudden collapse, seizures, and fatal overdoses.

It’s often sprayed on herbal material and sold as Spice.

Key risks:
• Potency varies wildly
• Causes rapid onset of unconsciousness or aggression
• Often used unknowingly by people experiencing homelessness or in prison
• Has been implicated in multiple UK deaths

Safer use guidance:
• Start with a very small dose
• Avoid mixing with depressants
• Sit down and stay seated
• Use with others present and call for help if needed

Stigma kills. Better knowledge saves lives.

19/08/2025

Last week we were pleased to join our partners in North East Lincolnshire to celebrate our collaborative efforts to achieve hepatitis-c micro elimination in the region

This was a public health win underpinned by partnership and it was great to come together with our peers in success for a day of celebration and reflection.

The event brought together key partners and stakeholders who have been instrumental in this achievement.

Public health programme manager for North East Lincolnshire Council - which commissions WithYou to deliver the service - Sarah Lumley delivered a keynote speech thanking staff for their incredible work.

She presented operations manager Fiona Wilkinson with a special recognition award, acknowledging her leadership and the team's dedication in reaching what she described as "not just a public health milestone" but also "a deeply human achievement".

There were also presentations from

Andy Madison from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities
Emma Lamond, director of integrated treatment at WithYou
Yvonne Ward, Clinical Lead at WithYou
Frances Barrowclough from Gilead Sciences
Jason George from The Hepatitis C Trust
Layla Spauls, hepatitis C specialist nurse at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust
Kasey from the NHS' Operational Delivery Network
Dr Easom, consultant in Infectious Diseases and ODN Clinical Lead, who sent a congratulatory message and celebratory refreshments to mark the occasion

We would like to extend a huge congratulations and thank you to all involved including every single person who got tested and treated.

We couldn’t be more proud of the team in our North East Lincolnshire service 💙

14/08/2025

4-MMC (aka mephedrone) is back but not like before.

It’s popping up again in UK nightlife and online sales, but with key risks:

⚠️ What’s changing:
• Often mislabelled, may not be true 4-MMC
• Can be substituted with other cathinones
• Redosing is common due to short high
• Linked to panic, heart strain, and intense comedowns

✅ If using:
• Take small test doses
• Space out redoses
• Avoid mixing with other stimulants
• Sleep, food, and rest afterwards matter

Know what’s in your bag. And what it might not be.

12/08/2025

We have a new job opportunity on our website. If you're interested, you can apply via the link, here-

https://wearewithyou.cp.occy.com/p/jobpreview?id=01K1ZZCKAK100NQ68JHYA1ARFE

12/08/2025

Pins and needles after balloons? That might be nerve damage.

Nitrous oxide can cause serious vitamin B12 deficiency, especially with frequent use. Without vitamin B12, your nerves can’t function properly.

⚠️ What to look out for:
• Numbness or tingling
• Trouble walking or balancing
• Weakness or tremors
• Brain fog or mood changes

✅ What can help:
• Take regular breaks
• Get symptoms checked early
• Avoid mixing with alcohol or other downers

Nitrous isn’t harmless. But harm can be reduced if you know what to look for.

07/08/2025

Not everyone using Va**um is trying to get high.
Sometimes it’s about coping. Calming the panic. Trying to sleep. Coming down from something else.

But the pills going around?
They’re rarely what people think.

🚫 Not diazepam
⚠️ Often synthetic benzos
🧠 Can hit harder, last longer, and leave people more at risk, especially if mixed

If you or someone you know is using benzos:
✅ Avoid mixing, especially with alcohol or opioids
✅ Use with someone around
✅ Stick to lower doses
✅ Take breaks between use

No shame. Just safety.

05/08/2025

“Jungle pills” are unregulated tablets, sold for next to nothing, but sometimes costing people their lives.

People are using them to manage pain, trauma, or withdrawal. They’re cheap, accessible, and often stronger than expected.

If you work in health, outreach, or community services, share this info:
✔ Avoid using alone
✔ Test if you can
✔ Carry naloxone
✔ Go slow - one pill could be all it takes

Stigma doesn’t save lives. Harm reduction does.

02/08/2025

Jess and Dot are our representatives at community pride, today! Make sure you pay them a visit

02/08/2025

We’re at Pride in Nailsea, today! Come and see us, get a temporary tattoo, a pin or an anti-spiking device!

12pm-5pm

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

01/08/2025

Disposables are banned. So what are people using instead?

The UK has banned disposable vapes to reduce youth access and environmental harm.
But when a product disappears, workarounds appear.

That means more people could start using:
⚠️ Refilled or second hand vapes
⚠️ Carts from informal sellers
⚠️ Devices that look like ni****ne but aren’t

This is where harm shifts, not because people are reckless, but because the supply changes.

This post isn’t about panic. It’s about noticing how risk travels through the system.

If you're va**ng it's essential you're only using your own vapes and that they have been purchased from a regulated source.

30/07/2025

‘Legal’ doesn’t always mean ‘safe.’

A product called Diamond Shruumz made headlines last year after multiple people in the US were hospitalised.

Marketed as a legal mushroom chocolate, it caused:
⚠️ Breathing difficulties
⚠️ Seizures
⚠️ Serious cardiac symptoms
⚠️ Three deaths

The packaging looked safe. The branding leaned into wellness. But the contents? Still unclear.

This post shares what happened and what harm reduction looks like when it comes to edibles:
🍄 Never assume a product is safe based on branding
🍄 Start with small amounts
🍄 Avoid mixing with other substances
🍄 Know what to do if someone reacts badly

wearewithyou.org.uk – safer use, no judgement.

30/07/2025

We’re here at the Italian Gardens today, offering advice and information. We also have naloxone on hand for anyone that would like to take a kit home with them, today.

28/07/2025

Every 30 seconds, someone dies from a hepatitis-related illness. But here’s the good news: testing can save lives.

Today is World Hepatitis Day and we want to celebrate the achievements and commitment of everyone involved in the fight against hepatitis C.

Working as part of the Hepatitis C Provider Forum, alongside our partners Change Grow Live, Turning Point, Waythrough, Via, Hep C U Later, NHS Addictions Provider Alliance, The Forward Trust, Delphi Medical and The Harbour Centre (Plymouth), we carried out over 88,000 BBV tests in 2024.

24/07/2025

DXM is in cold meds but in high doses, it becomes something else entirely.

Dextromethorphan (DXM) is found in a lot of over-the-counter cough medicines and is fine when used only at the regulated doses listed on the label.

But taken in high doses, it becomes a powerful dissociative and one that’s often misunderstood.

It’s often used as an ingredient in purple drank and is known online for causing “plateaus” of trippy, out-of-body effects.

But DXM also comes with serious risks:
⚠️ Accidental overdose if the product contains paracetamol or antihistamines
⚠️ Serotonin syndrome if mixed with certain antidepressants
⚠️ Seizures, overheating, or panic

Help others understand the risks by sharing.

11/07/2025

💛 Get tested – it could save your life. 💛

Every 30 seconds, someone dies from a hepatitis-related illness. But here’s the good news: testing can save lives.
The test is quick, simple, and discreet – just a prick of your finger. Early detection means early treatment, reducing the risk of serious liver damage. Treatment today is as easy as a tablet a day for 8–12 weeks.
As part of World Hepatitis Day, we’re here to support you. If you’re a client of our services, speak to your recovery worker in confidence to learn how you can get tested.
Your health matters. Take the first step today. 💛

01/07/2025

Have your say!

On Friday the 18th of July, we will be holding a client feedback forum. This is your chance to tell us what you would like to see from us. All clients are welcome.

The forum will be 2-4PM. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided.

Your Treatment
Your Say.

30/06/2025

NEW!

LGBTQ+ Drop-in. A safe space for you.

Open to all clients who identify as part of or allies of the community.

22/05/2025

Today we attended a mental health event with Weston College at the Winter Gardens. We discussed counselling placement opportunities and gave information about the service we provide. It was lovely to talk to you all.

15/05/2025

Are you considering taking on a voluntary role?

We now have a number of roles open for application on our website. Please use the link below to find out more and apply today.

https://app.betterimpact.com/PublicEnterprise/EnterpriseSearch?EnterpriseGuid=1774572d-31e7-41d9-9c9a-6ea6a13e787c&SearchType=Organization&SearchId=11316

06/05/2025

Next week is Mental Health Awareness Week. In support of this, we will be holding a mental health awareness coffee morning.

Wednesday the 14th of May
10am-12pm

This is being ran by our dual diagnosis nurse so please feel free to pop in to have a coffee and a chat.

11/09/2024

05/09/2024

Stoptober Swap to Stop Event in North Somerset!