Research, Development and Innovation
For decades, Kaleidoscope has led the way in innovative drug and alcohol care. We launched the UK’s first needle syringe exchange in 1986 and pioneered the first methadone dispensing service. Our other harm reduction solutions include Blood Born Virus Testing, Injectable long acting buprenorphine (Buvidal) and Peer2Peer Naloxone. We are confident in our ability to respond to emerging trends, challenge the status quo and deliver quality services that are person centred.
We’re still looking for ways to improve, and believe that the best ideas come from the people who use our services and work with us.
We also welcome communication from academic researchers to collaborate on health research grant applications. Our clients and colleagues have many excellent ideas that would benefit from an academic perspective.
Areas of interest include:
- Harm reduction
- Drug and alcohol treatments
- Illicit substance dependency
- Recovery orientated activities for both community and criminal justice settings
- Peer delivery and co-production
In 2024 we established Kaleidoscope’s RDI department, led by academic researcher Ruth Bowley, who brings extensive experience in problem solving and experimental methods from her work in physics and materials science.
Hey there! I’m Ruth, the RDI Lead at Kaleidoscope. I’m here to drive innovation and encourage evidence based practice to constantly improve our services. I’ll be chatting with colleagues, clients and academics to kickstart projects that bring exciting changes.
I love hearing about new ideas, so I’m always eager to hear your thoughts on how we can improve our services!
