Community & Belonging · Indicator 4
Harm reduction & welfare
What this indicator asks
How widespread are harm reduction and welfare programmes at São Paulo’s venues and events? Are they well resourced?
46.0/ 100 · São Paulo
The local coordinator says there is an active and growing network of NGOs, independent collectives, healthcare professionals and cultural initiatives working in São Paulo’s nightlife: such as Projeto ResPire, PreParty, and Sento Mesmo. Their work includes welfare tents and care spaces, free water, condoms and earplugs, guides, and training for security and bar staff.
Mamba Negra gives out free water at paid parties. Welfare teams also work at large festivals such as Coala Festival and Primavera Sound São Paulo. An expert said security staff have to be briefed first:
“There is no point in me putting a welfare point inside the party if my security team is not briefed to […] act in the right way when something happens.”
The expert said provision is almost absent because it happens only at alternative events and not at larger commercial ones. The local coordinator says it is a mixed picture, but rapidly maturing. Both say traditional venues resist it. Though 72% of survey respondents say welfare staff would be helpful during incidents.