Vauxhall attempts to deal with drugs ignorance

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Drug Idle, an evening dedicated to tackling the concerns of drug use within elements of London’s gay community, is to be held later this month.

It will specifically discuss the use of dangerous “party” drugs such as GHB.

Area nightclub, on Albert Embankment in Vauxhall’s gay village, will host the event, billed as, “a free evening of fun and frolics but with a serious side to inform and educate.”

The need for such an information event has been starkly illustrated by the organisers:

“Last year at least three people died when they collapsed at home, and their friends did not know what to do.”

They hope to, “tackle the ongoing concerns that people are repeatedly collapsing from GHB/GBL, thereby seriously affecting our community and the future of our gay bar and clubs.”

GHB is an anaesthetic and anti-depressant, notorious as a ‘date rape’ drug, which has become popular with some drug users on the gay club scene.

GBL is a derivate version.

In April Fire nightclub in Vauxhall was temporarily closed following a raid by Lambeth police in the early hours of a Saturday morning. Witnesses claim hundreds of police were involved in the raid.

Nine people were arrested in the operation which followed a three month-long intelligence-led operation, codenamed Pivot.

Five people face 57 charges of supplying and possessing Class A drugs.

In December a man died after taking methamphetamine, commonly known as crystal meth, in a Vauxhall club.

The centrepiece of the 23rd August Drug Idle event will be a contest in which members of the audience will be tested on their drug knowledge.

Contestants will be quizzed by an expert panel in an attempt to dispel myths surrounding drug use.

The experts will consist of representatives of Guy’s St Thomas’ Hospital Poisons Unit, St George’s Hospital, Lambeth’s Drug Action Team, Lambeth Police LGBT Liaison Team and Terrence Higgins Trust.

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In addition to information on a variety of matters, there will be a presentation on what to do in a drug-related emergency.

Drug Idle, hosted by the Vauxhall Gay Business Forum, will be held Thursday 23rd August and will start at 6.30pm. Entry is free and light refreshments will be provided.

Those wishing to attend, can just turn up or register their interest through

emailing [email protected].

More information can be found here.

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