Harm Reduction

The main characteristics of Harm Reduction are Pragmatism, Humanistic Values, Focus on Harms, Balancing Costs and benefits and Hierarchy of goals. Throughout this programme there will be an emphasis on practical approaches to harm reduction and the historical context within which it sits. Some local, national and international examples will be given and there will be structured discourse on the pros and cons of harm reduction.

If a person is not willing to give up his or her drug use, we should assist them in reducing harm to himself or herself and others (Bunning 1993).

This programme can be delivered can be delivered to groups or organisations as requested. 

Programme Duration

1 Day workshop

Programme Aims

The aim of this 1 day workshop is to enable participants to:

  1. Define harm reduction as an approach.
  2. Understand the approach from an Irish perspective and also on a broader global level.
  3. Understand the historical and social contexts out of which harm reduction emerged and how harm reduction fits into an international human rights agenda.
  4. Identify and adopt the general principles of harm reduction.
  5. Understand harm reduction models of intervention and their applications.
  6. Describe the different drugs of abuse, their various routes of administration, their effects, and potential harms.

Programme Content

In each session participants will have the opportunity to observe and practice Harm Reduction techniques through role-plays and scenarios provided by the trainer.

The methodology used in this training will be a combination of the following:

Participative: The participants will be asked to contribute to the training both in the large group and also in smaller ones. There will be a number of exercises throughout the training that are designed for the group to be split up into smaller groups.

Experiential: The training will allow participants to contribute by using examples of anonymous clients that they have worked with or are currently working with.

Theory into practice: The training will allow some role plays that will encourage participants to put the theory into practice.

Information giving: There will be handouts and information on relevant reading that will be distributed at each days training.

Worker led: The training will be flexible to the needs of the group.

Learning Outcomes

  • To build on and expand existing knowledge in relation to Harm Reduction within the group. 
  • To enhance confidence in participants use of Harm reduction strategies. 
  • To allow space and time for participants to look at their own practice in relation to Harm Reduction and discuss clients that they have had or are currently working with (suitably anonymous) in relation to a Harm Reduction approach.

Connect with Your Trainer

The Learning Curve Institute offers a unique post course support system whereby participants are provided with the contact details of the trainer and are free to contact him/her with any questions they may have. 

Programme Certification

An eCertificate of Completion in "Harm Reduction" from The Learning Curve Institute.