From Hannah Westwater, Buzz editor
The third issue of Buzz, Scotland’s independent magazine by and for people who use drugs, is out now.
Our cover story marks a year of The Thistle. With Glasgow’s safer drug consumption facility being used nearly 11,400 times by January this year, we hear directly from the people who use the service – and argue for similar projects to be rolled out across the country.
People told us that they feel safer, that their health is better, and that the staff who treat them with dignity keep them coming back.
The magazine is steered and produced by a group of people with living experience aiming to counteract sensationalist and inaccurate media coverage of drug-related issues. You can read more about Buzz and its ethos here.
We’re also launching the Buzz guide to voting ahead of the Scottish Parliament election.
Does voting seem like something that’s for other people, but not you? Worried about who could get hold of your details if you appear on the electoral roll? Do you feel shut out because you don’t have a fixed address or ID?
Our comprehensive guide walks readers through these concerns and more, plus outlines how the votes are brought together to elect a new parliament. People who use substances and live in Scotland’s most deprived areas are so often left out of the political conversation, so we’re making sure anyone who wants to use their vote can do so.
In issue three we hear from 24-year-old Emma McLean, a recover worker for WithYou, about her journey to the job and what it’s like being on the other side of recovery and treatment services.
Don’t miss our drug trends dashboard, exploring the rumours around so-called temazepam jellies and the latest details on supply from the people in our communities.
You’ll also find news on the public naloxone boxes being set up in town centres, reflections on why arts and culture can be crucial in recovery, harm reduction resources and plenty more.
Buzz, established last year, is facilitated by Scottish Drugs Forum. It is editorially independent, with decisions, messaging and conclusions – or lack thereof – coming entirely from the peer editorial board assembled from across Scotland and the wider community.
You can read the magazine online or download a PDF via the magazine’s website.
Contact hello@buzz.scot with queries or for information on getting print copies.