In this episode Silva and I are joined by 2 guests - Monty Moncrieff MBE & Yvonne Shell.

Monty Moncrieff - MBE is The Chief Exec of London Friend, a charity working to promote the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ people and is the oldest LGBTQ+ charity in the UK providing support since 1972 and Yvonne Shell is a Consultant Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, and senior academic. Yvonne currently works with the Metropolitan Police Service and HMPPS as a member of the London Chemsex Working Group, Project Sagamore, acting as research lead for crime within the chemsex context.

Over the past few years as professionals we have seen startling increases in problematic use of crystal methamphetamine (including injecting), dependent GHB/GBL use requiring medically supported detoxification, and use in highly sexualised contexts including a high level of risky sexual behaviour, which has become known as chemsex.

Engaging in chemsex can be managed by some. This can mean that there is minimal impact on an individual’s general wellbeing, work, relationships with partners, friends, and family. For others though it can prove problematic.

This episode explores the crimes, risks and vulnerabilities associated with chemsex, which is so very often a taboo subject. Talking about chems and chemsex is extremely important to ensure that those who need it get the help support they deserve as well as know they are not alone!