A warm welcome in the heart of Launceston
August 31, 2026
Anglicare’s new Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) outlet in Launceston provides a free and friendly public health service in the city.
Next door to the Anglicare office in Elizabeth Street, it has its own separate entrance and is conveniently located close to the CBD.
People come to the NSP to collect free supplies of sterile injecting equipment and the life-saving opiod reversal drug naloxone., which is available in both nasal spray and injectable form.
They’re also very welcome to stay for a chat about their health and wellbeing with NSP worker Sharon, pictured above.
Meet Sharon
“I worked in a supermarket for 20 years and then decided to go to TasTAFE to do a Cert IV in Community Services,” she explains. “I started volunteering with the Salvation Army and then fell in love with the Needle and Syringe Program. I never thought I’d be doing this kind of work but here I am.”
Sharon transferred to Anglicare when it took over the NSP on 1 July this year.
I’m seeing many familiar faces but also lots of new ones, which is wonderful. We’ve put up some colourful displays, and people are telling me they like the privacy, the proximity to town and that they feel safe and respected here, which is exactly what we’re aiming for.
“I enjoy building up trust with people. It takes a while but it’s worth it. It’s amazing what you can achieve with just a small interaction. I had one client come in a few weeks ago who simply wanted some information about something totally unrelated to our service. He told me he knew he would get the truth from me – that’s what makes this job worthwhile.”
Sharon says well over 400 people have already called into the service. This includes people who came in on World Hepatitis Day (28 July) to get tested for Hepatitis C.
She says she is also noticing an increase in the number of people coming in who use peptides.
“They tend to be young people who are injecting these drugs to build up or repair muscle, or wanting younger-looking skin, often without knowing what is in them. I offer a friendly conversation that includes a safety warning,” she said.
Today is International Overdose Awareness Day (IAOD)
International Overdose Awareness Day (31 August) is now in its 25th year. This year the theme is 25 years: still needed.
Anyone calling into an Anglicare NSP on and around IOAD is welcome to help us create a remembrance tree display using our supplies of tribute cards and folded paper cranes.
Further reading and information
Anglicare runs a statewide service that supports people with addictions to alcohol and/or drugs. Our programs are free, confidential and easy to access. We also provide support to family members.
Penington Institute’s Annual Overdose Report 2026, released on 28 August
