Mobile X support workers are still trying to find West Shore drug users to help.
It's been one year since the Mobile X support workers began offering services to the West Shore. While they don’t keep a strict tally, the numbers remain the same as the year before for the support workers work out of a minivan with a cellphone and travel across Greater Victoria.
They drive to any location to meet clients and provide them with free syringes, crack pipes and condoms.
"It's extremely hard to connect with people on the West Shore," said Brittney Johnstone, support worker with Victoria AIDS Resource and Community Service Society.
When working downtown Victoria the support worker explains drug use is visible and it's easier to locate possible clients, on the West Shore most of it occurs behind doors.
The support workers do have some West Shore clients, but most come into Victoria to pick up supplies.
"Right now our main focus is the West Shore," Johnstone said adding there are no other similar services offered on the West Shore.
"We have more of a connection with Sooke than the West Shore," said Johnstone adding in Sooke they deal with a couple of individuals who pick up supplies and distribute them to a group of people. "We are happy we are getting them the supplies they need, but we would like to meet them face-to-face and talk to them about safety. We are non-judgemental and just want to give people what they need."
The Mobile X is available from 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Monday to Friday. For more information or to book a visit call 250-888-4487.
charla@goldstreamgazette.com