Transform Drug Policy Foundation
Bristol: Take Drugs Seriously
Wednesday 16th - 6:30pm
A Transform-hosted public event on how Bristol can take a serious, evidence-led approach to drugs.
17–18 September 2026 · Bristol
Programme
Two days, two venues, one question: where does harm reduction go next?
Provisional — subject to change. Sessions, speakers and timings may move as we get closer.
Thursday 17 September — Day 1
M Shed
- 09:00Registration and coffee
- 09:45Welcome and opening keynote: forty years of harm reduction
- 11:00BreakRefreshments in the main foyer
- 11:30Elimination is not the finish line
- 12:45LunchHot lunch provided; dietary needs collected at registration
- 13:45Drug checking in practice
- 15:00Nitazenes and the changing supply
- 16:30Day 1 close
Friday 18 September — Day 2
Bristol Beacon
- Why we need separate, and separately funded, harm reduction and treatment services
- 09:30Doors and coffee
- 10:00Lived and living experience in service design
- 11:15Break
- 11:45Housing, homelessness and harm reduction
- 13:00Lunch
- 14:00WorkshopsStrands to be confirmed
- 15:30Closing panel: where next?
- 16:30Summit close
[Confirm workshop strands, room allocations and final timings]
Side events
NHRS Fringe - More events over the two days
We wanted a conference that went beyond the lecture hall. There's lots more happening over the two days of the conference - see our NHRS fringe program below. Some events are free with your ticket and some require separate booking.
Transform Drug Policy Foundation
Currents for Change
Thursday 17th -3pm & 4pm
Transform's Currents for Change takes you on a boat tour exploring the hidden histories of Bristol's legal and illegal drug markets.
Evening Social
Drop-in Evening Social @ The Watershed
Thursday 17th - 5pm onwards
An opportunity for networking and socialising after the days planned programme. The Watershed has a full bar and does a mixture of small plates and mains. We have reserved some seating for conference attendees. Full menu here - https://www.watershed.co.uk/cafe-bar
Film Screening
Surviving Earth Screening
Thursday 17th - 8:30pm
Join us at the Watershed for a free screening of Thea Gajic's film Surviving Earth that features BDP. Run time 96 minutes. No need to book.