About Us
Release is the UK’s centre of expertise on drugs and drug laws. We provide legal support, representation and drugs advice to people with a history of drug use or who are impacted by drug laws. We also campaign for evidence-based drug policies founded on principles of public health and human rights, seeking to reduce the harms faced by people who use drugs.
Release is also an NGO with Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations; we’re also part of the Vienna NGO Committee on Narcotic Drugs (VNGOC) and the New York NGO Committee on Drugs (NYNGOC).
Community Legal Services
Our legal team provides specialist support and representation on homelessness, housing, social security, and debt to over 1,300 people a year in drug treatment centres and community projects across the UK.
Drug Advocacy Service
We provide independent advocacy advice to people accessing drug treatment services, defending their rights and ensuring their voice and needs are centred in their care.
The National Helpline
We respond to over 2,000 queries annually, providing free, non-judgemental advice on drugs, criminal charges, stop & search, family and employment rights, and harm reduction.
Harm Reduction Hub
A welcoming community drop-in centre and Public Living Room in Bethnal Green offering free naloxone, drug checking strips, sterile supplies, warm drinks, and advice.
Policy and Research
Release undertakes research analysing the impact of laws and policies on people who use drugs both within the criminal justice and health spheres. We publish multiple papers highlighting racial disparities in the policing and prosecution of drug offences in the UK, as well as demonstrating the global experience of drug decriminalisation.
Our clients’ experiences drive our policy work: we respond to Government proposals and consultations that impact the lives of the people we work with. This includes responding to housing policies, social welfare policies and other relevant areas.
59
YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
100+
trained harm reduction
Volunteers
19
Legal outreach sites
around the UK
1,640
people supported over our
helpline in 2025
Our Impact & Reach
Supporting people with legal support, representation and drugs advice.
Help us support more people across the UK, create global research and analyse laws and policies.
We work towards a world where all people, including people who use drugs and those most harmed by criminalisation, have equal access to justice and resources.
1
Spread the word
Criminal justice and health reform will only happen with widespread support.
2
Donations
Regular donations keep us open and independent.
3
Volunteering
Get involved by supporting Release’s mission with your skills and talents.