An organisation that tests people for drug use at events including music festivals has been granted charity status and appointed its first chief executive.
The Loop, which runs pop-up sites, will launch a regular testing site in Bristol in January.
Chief executive Katy Porter said: “The recognition and registration as a charity will mean that our health services and the important information we generate through drug checking will now reach more people in more places across the UK and greatly assist in reducing drug-related harm.
“I am excited by the opportunity to lead such an innovative and important organisation as The Loop.”
Porter is a nurse who has worked in HIV services, substance use treatment and homelessness outreach.
The Loop said it was “delighted” that The Charity Commission undertook a “comprehensive legal review of its activities and determined drug checking as a legal and charitable activity in the UK”.
The organisation is the UK’s first and only dedicated drug checking not-for-profit.
In a statement, it added that the status provided it with “an excellent platform to develop services, reach wider communities and more individuals and greater opportunity to secure further funding to do so”.
Founder and director Professor Fiona Measham said about one in five illicit substances were being mis-sold in the UK.
“When we give people the results, if the substance is other than expected, two-thirds of people throw it away or give it to us to dispose of.
“So we’re taking those adulterants out of circulation and reducing future harm.”
She added: “The Loop is very lucky to have the experience and skills of Katy to drive the next stage in our development, for what is now very much a full-time job.”