Working Groups
Peers
Peers working group aims to focus on the peers values and needs in our projects. One of our missions is to facilitate and support peer exchange in harm reduction work across Europe. This includes: - Connecting peers with opportunities to work at festivals and events in other countries. - Providing support for travel, accommodation, and other logistical needs. - Bridging cultural and procedural differences between harm reduction organizations. - Helping peers visit other organizations, even if not formally working, to foster connections.
TEDI
What TEDI is The Trans-European Drug Information project (TEDI) is a network of European fieldwork drug checking services that share their expertise and data within a European monitoring and information system. TEDI is part of the Nightlife Empowerment & Well-being Network - New Net. NEW Net is a European network of community-based NGOs acting in the fields of health promotion and nightlife, of nightlife professionals, local and regional authorities and agencies, treatment professionals and scientific researchers. During 2011 TEDI developed a database that collects, monitors and analyses the evolution of various European drug trends mainly in recreational settings. This system continues to operate allowing information about drug trends to be easily compared across Europe. The aim of this monitoring and information system is to help to optimize public health, prevention and harm reduction intervention strategies/programs. It serves as an early warning system and a tool for monitoring the evolution of drug markets in Europe. TEDI also focuses its efforts on reporting the emergence of Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) in recreational settings and monitoring their evolution throughout Europe. Over the last few years, at least one new NPS on the market was being reported every week. Besides this market’s dynamic, TEDI has detected a disturbing phenomenon that needs to be confronted by drug checking services – the inclusion of NPS as adulterants in the most commonly consumed illicit drugs including cannabis, ecstasy, amphetamine, LSD and ketamine. This trend seems to be spreading among all of the countries currently being monitored by TEDI. These trends should thus be followed closely and appropriately addressed by providing information and harm reduction messages to users themself.
Drug Policy
Despite significant investments in drug control, European drug policies have not succeeded in safeguarding the health and safety of our communities. Drug use has reached unprecedented levels, and new substances continue to flood the EU market each year.
In recreational environments like clubs and festivals, the prevalence of illegal substance use remains high. In response, NEWNet and its members have developed effective interventions to empower and support individuals in these settings. Evidence consistently demonstrates that prevention, treatment, and harm reduction measures are critical to saving lives and protecting communities. However, services for people who use drugs remain underfunded and lack essential political backing.
To address these challenges, NEWNet has established a dedicated Drug Policy Working Group. This group monitors international drug policy developments, advocates for harm reduction strategies, and collaborates with like-minded organizations across Europe.
In 2024, NEWNet, in partnership with Correlation Network and IDP, played a key role in creating the EU Drug Policy Manifesto. This document outlines a pragmatic, innovative, and human rights-focused vision for European drug policy, aiming to build healthier and safer communities.
Explore the manifesto and its growing list of signatories https://correlation-net.org/2024/03/14/drug-policy-manifesto-for-the-2024-european-parliament-elections/
Neurodivergence
The Neurodivergency Working Group at NEWNET aims to gather, share knowledge, and foster a space for exchange and support around neurodiversity within harm reduction and party scenes. This group is just getting started — we’re in a formative phase and looking for more people, perspectives, and energy to help us grow. We want to collectively identify what’s needed, what each person can contribute, and how we can make our spaces more accessible, welcoming, and understanding for everyone. Some initial ideas that came up during our first meeting include: - Providing information and peer support to make party spaces more neurodivergent-friendly. - Implementing methods to ease communication and reduce overwhelm in group meetings, for example: - Exploring the Curb Cut Effect: when accommodations made for a small group actually improve the experience for all. We are currently without fixed goals — this is a collaborative process — but we’re eager to connect, learn from each other, and collectively make a difference. If you’re interested in getting involved, please reach out or join us on our Discord platform.
NIGHTS
The NIGHTS Conference is Europe’s leading platform dedicated to urban nightlife and leisure activities. We as NEWNET actively participate to the creation of the conference helding different talks about safer night life.
Each year, the conference brings together a diverse range of participants to discuss, innovate, and enhance the future of nighttime urban culture. From safety to sustainability, NIGHTS addresses key challenges and opportunities unique to urban spaces after dark, fostering a collaborative atmosphere aimed at shaping inclusive and resilient nightlife environments.
Audience
The NIGHTS Conference invites a broad spectrum of professionals and enthusiasts.
Whether you’re in the nightlife industry, a researcher, policymaker, cultural advocate, or urban administrator
NIGHTS offers you a place to connect, learn, and contribute. By gathering representatives from various sectors, the event enables an unparalleled exchange of perspectives, breaking down silos and encouraging solutions that benefit urban nighttime life as a whole.
Purpose
A unique international networking platform for anyone engaged in nighttime urban culture.
NIGHTS serves as a bridge between fields, fostering dialogue that enriches our understanding of the urban night.
With dedicated sessions, workshops, and collaborative spaces, participants can explore emerging trends, share best practices, and gain insights into what makes nightlife safer, more vibrant, and accessible.
It’s a chance to build meaningful connections that last well beyond the conference.
Goal
Collaborating for a safe, sustainable, and enjoyable nighttime city experience.
The conference’s mission is to envision a cityscape that thrives after dark, balancing enjoyment with sustainability and safety.
By working together across industries and disciplines, NIGHTS participants strive to create nightlife that is inviting, low-conflict, and forward-looking—one that embraces diversity and meets the evolving needs of urban residents and visitors.
Learn more
Explore further details, speakers, schedules, and how to join at nights-conference.org.
Join us in shaping the future of urban nightlife, and be part of a vibrant community dedicated to making our cities more livable, even after the sun sets.
Discord server
Are you part of a NEWNet member organization, and interested in participating in the workgroups, or contributing to the site? Send us an e-mail at newnet dot eu at gmail dot com for an invite!