get services not only related to drugs and HIV/AIDS

Such a centre should be a contact place, a safe and non-threatening space where they can feel
comfortable, and get services not only related to drugs and HIV/AIDS, but to other areas of
their life. A drop in centre should be located as close as possible to the area where drug users
gather, to increase the probability that they will make use of the place. They should not have
to travel much to reach you. Consider what opening hours would be most appropriate
considering your target group.
Your centre may include for example:
Counselling: Youth may want to talk about relationships, family, work or money. (Counselling
does not necessarily have to be provided in a centre; it can be given after HIV/AIDS
counselling or with the NSEP for example.)
Vocational information: Your target group may need help finding job opportunities. Your
centre could have listings of job openings for example. To complement this, there could be
an office with telephone facilities.
Life skills training: groups could be set up where youth meet to learn and practice life skills.
Hygiene: IDUs do not always have a place where they can shower, or rest, especially if they
are street youth. Your centre could provide such facilities as a rest room, showers and
changing rooms. A medical room could also be useful.
Referrals: A centre could have information about other services, for drug treatment, for HIV
testing and counselling, for STD’s.