We’ve been delivering our service in Cornwall for twenty-four years now, we were Cornwall’s first “street” drug service. In terms of numbers of clients seen we are Cornwall’s busiest drug service.



1984 Freshfield began as a volunteer service under the auspices of Social Responsibility

1985 Charitable status was achieved

1986 First employed paid staff (2.5 w.t.e.) using grants from DHSS Opportunities for Volunteering, Cornwall Health Authority and C.C.C. Social Services Department.

1989 Freshfield established Cornwall’s first Needle Exchange in partnership with C&IoSHA

1991 We established Cornwall’s first prescribing scheme with Ben Charnaud. After two years on this work was hived off and the Cornwall Community Drugs Team was established.

1992 Freshfield registered as a limited company.

1994/1995 Formal Probation Partnership established.

1996 With the support of the L.E.A. and finance from grant making trusts we established our Consultant Drugworker for Education

1999 – 2002 Expansion of volunteer scheme aided by National Lottery Charities Board

2000 “Rapidly” scheme for 10 – 17 year olds with Cornwall Youth Offending Team

2000 – 2003 Drug Arrest Referral Scheme with Devon and Cornwall Police Authority

2001 – 2004 The New Opportunities Fund provide resources for a new Penwith Harm Reduction Counsellor

2003 Funding for our Consultant Drugworker for Education expired

2004 Funding for our Penwith Harm Reduction Counsellor picked up by local Drug Action Team

2006 YZUP scheme for 10-17 year olds

2007 Needle Exchange improvements funded by West Cornwall Neighbourhood Renewal Fund