Welfare first: transforming harm reduction at UK festivals

Abstract Background A welfare-first approach to harm reduction at UK festivals is emerging as a critical strategy for enhancing festival safety. In particular, the implementation of anonymous, non-punitive drug-checking services is posited as essential for reducing drug-related harm by enabling informed decision-making. This empirical study examines the limitations of punitive drug policies and the associated risks to public health and explores the potential benefits of decriminalisation in fostering safer festival environments. Methods The study employed qualitative methodologies, including semi-structured interviews and questionnaires with festival attendees at three major UK festivals. This empirical data was supplemented by a review of recent studies (Ivers et al. in Ir J Med Sci 191(4):1701–1710, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-021-02765-2; Palmer Maynard in Harm Reduc J 19(1):81, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-022-00662-0; Cooney and Measham. in Drug Sci Policy Law 9, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1177/20503245231211444) and relevant policy documents, in order to evaluate current harm reduction practices and identify key barriers, such as stigma, social control, and criminalisation. Results Analysis revealed that integrated harm reduction measures, comprising drug-checking services, welfare support, and early intervention initiatives, significantly enhance safety by empowering individuals with timely, accurate substance information. A majority of participants expressed a clear preference for drug-checking services, underscoring their willingness to engage when these services are provided in a supportive, non-punitive environment. However, persistent challenges related to punitive drug policies and gaps in public education about harm reduction continue to impede optimal service delivery. Evidence further suggests that a shift towards decriminalisation and welfare-based approaches could mitigate these risks and foster more trusting engagement with harm reduction initiatives. Conclusions The findings indicate that prioritising welfare-first harm reduction strategies, particularly the implementation of anonymous drug-checking services, can create safer festival environments and inform broader public health policies. The study underscores the need for policy reforms that move away from punitive approaches, suggesting that festival-based interventions can serve as scalable models for reducing drug-related harm across diverse community settings.