EU Example for Southeast Asia Learning EU
In Bergen, Norway, Huset Bergen shows what is possible when harm reduction is fully peer-led and community-owned.
Founded and operated by people with lived and living experience, the House provides needle and syringe services, naloxone training, outreach, meals, night shelter, and pathways to housing and healthcare, all grounded in dignity and trust. There is no moralizing, no punishment only responsibility and shared ownership.
What stands out?
- Strong municipal backing
- Public support across political parties
- Engagement from business leaders
- Collaboration with hospital addiction services, including heroin-assisted treatment
This model demonstrates that peer-led harm reduction is not marginal; it is practical, effective, and economically sound. It reduces pressure on public systems while strengthening social participation.
For Southeast Asia, key learning points include:
• Equal pay and shared ownership within peer teams
• Formal municipal funding for low-threshold services
• Integration with clinical services without losing community leadership
• Public narrative shift: from punishment to support
Huset Bergen reminds us: when people are trusted as partners, not problems – cities change.
#HarmReduction #PeerLed #CommunityOwnership #EUtoSEA #PublicHealth #Dignity
