NEWS
EVENTS
Carework for the Kosmic: an Intro
If you’ve been around the small, independent festival circuit in Europe, there’s a chance you’ve heard of Kosmicare, the charity dedicated to welfare for those undergoing difficult drug related experiences. The travelling charity started at Boom festival in Portugal, one of the festivals most suited to its purpose, known as it is for psychedelic experimentation. Karin Silenzi di Stagni formed Kosmicare UK in 2008. In a country where drug policy has historically been a scapegoat for social issues, Kosmicare UK is revealing itself as a key player in a logical response to drugs.
Whilst the charity deals with every manner of cases involving drug or alcohol consumption, its raison d’etre is psychedelic support – providing responsible sitters for people having bad trips or other psychological crises. Kosmicare is primarily this – a tribe formed on the principles of community and ancient wisdom there to handle the life-changing states caused by psychedelics with due respect, which is not afforded by traditional welfare or medical services, nor arguably by the law.
The charity works with welfare and medical services at festivals to provide a holistic approach to drug related difficulties. Whereas the medical service tackles physical symptoms, Kosmicare specialises in psychological difficulties, which are often worsened by doctors and security. The charity also provides a vital relief for strained medical tents, caring for the huge array of individuals made vulnerable by the consumption of drugs or alcohol who don’t require medical services. The 24 hour service has food, hot and cold drinks, warm spaces to sleep and private spaces for counselling and various forms of therapy, as well as a less quiet tent for more active cases.
At Secret Garden Party this year, Kosmicare was accompanied by the Loop, the UK’s first ever drug testing service at a festival, making this year’s SGP a pioneering event in harm reduction, and even drug policy, in the UK. It was a triumph in the face of the UK's war on drugs, specifically the Psychoactive Substances Bill which came into effect in May this year, which experts warn is having a catastrophic effect on research into brain activity, Parkinson's and anti-smoking drugs.
Catch Kosmicare UK at Illusive and Equinox festivals this year –they will be providing a safe space for kosmic kittens. Kosmicare UK are holding Goa Cream festival, from 23-25 September to raise funds for the charity. The festival, held in Malvern, has a growing lineup of big names in Goa trance.
