NHERD - NextGen Harm Reduction: Tackling the Challenge of Emerging Psychoactive Drug
Project overview: NextGen Harm Reduction is a European project funded by the Erasmus+ programme. Its main goal is to improve how civil society responds to the growing challenges posed by New Psychoactive Substances (NPS). The project focuses on building the skills of frontline professionals and creating innovative digital harm reduction services.
Led by ARAS in Romania, and involving partners from North Macedonia, Serbia, and Portugal, the project is based on sharing experiences, exchanging knowledge, and digital innovation – especially in community-based settings.
Key objectives: Build the capacity of professionals and civil society organisations working with people who use NPS.
Identify and share good harm reduction practices and community engagement strategies related to NPS in participating countries.
Develop an e-learning platform with training modules for professionals.
Create a community-based digital support service for people who use NPS.
Strengthen European cooperation networks among harm reduction organisations.
Main activities:
- Carry out a European mapping of harm reduction responses to NPS through interviews and literature review.
- Produce an analysis report and practical recommendations based on identified needs.
- Develop a modular training curriculum, tailored to the needs of frontline professionals.
- Create adapted content and support services for people who use NPS.
- Organise dissemination and training activities to share results with national and European stakeholders.
Lead organisation: ARAS – Romanian Association Against AIDS (Romania)
Project partners:
ARAS – Romanian Association Against AIDS (Romania)
GAT – Grupo de Ativistas em Tratamentos (Portugal)
HOPS – Healthy Options Project Skopje (North Macedonia)
Re Generacija (Serbia)
Timeline: 24 months (Oct 2024 – Sep 2026)
Funding: Erasmus+ KA220-VET – Cooperation Partnerships in Vocational Education and Training
Focal Point: Adriana Curado
