This study took place on the ancestral lands of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dene, and Dakota peoples, and the homeland of the Métis nation, Treaty 1 territory. We approach this project in partnership and collaboration and with a commitment to reconciliation.
This study captured perspectives on safety and harms of drug use as they relate to spaces in which drugs are consumed, with implications for SCS in inner-city Winnipeg.
The characteristics of desirable and safe spaces for drug consumption described by participants reflected the principles of harm reduction: pragmatic, non-judgemental, respect for autonomy, privacy, resources, meaningful involvement, and inclusion. Some of the desirable spatial characteristics described are key features of SCS (material supplies, access to resources, human support or helpers), while other desirable characteristics such as convenience, privacy, and autonomy, are more challenging for SCS to deliver. Still, many participants indicated that they would likely access SCS, provided services are developed according to the priorities and values of those who would use them.
Providers were supportive of SCS, but realistic about the challenges for development and implementation in the local context. Still, providers were supportive of efforts to establish SCS if this is a service that people who use drugs would value and access.