The Loop launches 'Test & Know' fundraiser to support new mobile drug testing lab

Drug harm reduction charity The Loop has launched a new fundraising campaign, 'Test & Know,' with a target of £25,000 to help establish a mobile drug-testing lab, which will help them provide drug testing year-round at more locations across the country. 

Announced last week, the campaign aims to expand The Loop’s year-round drug-testing service, reaching more locations across the UK to improve substance safety at events and festivals.

Want to donate? Head to their website and help contribute to The Loop’s life-saving work - HERE

The Loop’s CEO, Katy Porter, explained in a statement:"We want to be able to do more and reach more people to reduce drug-related harm. As a charity, the funding and resources available to us can restrict this."

The funding is set to help the charity boost their capacity, whilst also funding another mobile lab which will help them expand testing across the UK.

Funds raised will also go directly towards essential laboratory equipment, including fentanyl and nitazene test strips, PPE, and an FTIR spectrometer - technology that identifies substances using infrared spectroscopy. According to the charity, each £12 donation covers the cost of testing one substance.

Founded by Professor Fiona Measham, The Loop first introduced on-site drug-testing at Manchester's Warehouse Project back in 2013. Since then, they've continued providing this crucial service, analysing confiscated or surrendered substances at clubs and festivals to give real-time safety updates on social media.

By keeping clubbers and festival-goers informed about what's circulating, how potent it is, and potential dangers, The Loop is helping shape a more responsible conversation around drug use in the UK, and undoubtedly saving lives along the way.

Learn more and support the Test & Know campaign here

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Header image credit: The Loop