What is Safe Journey Sanctum (SJS)?

Safe Journey Sanctum (SJS) provides trauma-informed, consent-based peer support to individuals experiencing intense emotional or psychedelic episodes at music festivals, concerts, and community events. We focus on compassion, evidence-based guidance, and honoring individual experiences in a supportive environment.

What services does SJS offer at events?

At events, our core services are peer support and harm reduction supply distribution—including testing kits, info packets, and educational materials. Our trained volunteers help individuals safely navigate challenging experiences, reducing the risk of trauma and harm. Additionally, we’ve recently expanded to offer optional on-site drug identification services at select events.

Are there opportunities for training or education provided by SJS?

Yes. SJS hosts harm reduction classes open to the community, designed to equip individuals with critical life-saving skills. Additionally, we provide specialized training for event staff on de-escalation techniques and safe administration of Narcan to handle emergencies effectively.

How does SJS manage liability at events?

Safety is our top priority. To effectively manage liability, SJS partners closely with on-site medical teams at events. Our role complements medical professionals, offering immediate peer support and intervention until professional medical assistance can take over.

When to Seek Emergency Help: If someone is experiencing a medical emergency, having trouble breathing, is unresponsive, or shows signs of overdose, call 911 or seek on-site medical services immediately. Peer support is not a substitute for professional medical care.

Can anyone volunteer with SJS?

Yes, we welcome volunteers who align with our values and mission.

Apply to Volunteer

How can my event partner with SJS?

Event organizers interested in partnering with us can reach out directly via our contact page. We provide consultation, collaboration, and customized support strategies tailored specifically to your event’s unique needs and requirements.

Event Partnership Benefits: We work closely with organizers to integrate harm reduction services seamlessly into your event. Our team handles setup, coordinates with medical staff, and provides trained volunteers to support attendees.

What is a non-ordinary state of consciousness?

Non-ordinary states of consciousness can occur during intense emotional or psychedelic experiences. Taking psychedelics can result in overwhelming and uncomfortable experiences—particularly for first-time users, at high doses, or without adequate preparation. Our harm-reduction model includes methods to help prevent and transform challenging experiences while in such states.

What does harm reduction mean in the context of psychedelics?

Harm reduction provides education, peer support and safe spaces to reduce potential harms associated with non-ordinary states. At events, we offer comfortable sanctuaries with pillows, art supplies and compassionate volunteers who listen without judgment. By transforming difficult experiences into opportunities for learning and growth, harm-reduction practices honor individual journeys without encouraging substance use.

How can I prepare for a festival or event experience?

Plan ahead and look out for your friends. Use a buddy system—agree to stick together and check in throughout the day. Familiarize yourself with the event layout: know where exits, water and food stations, bathrooms, harm-reduction and first-aid services are.

Safety First: If you choose to use substances, avoid mixing drugs and start with a small amount. Tell someone you trust what you believe you are taking, and consider visiting a harm-reduction tent or drug-checking facility. Learn to recognize signs of an overdose and carry naloxone.

Most importantly, pace yourself: drink water, rest in the shade, and eat regular meals to stay comfortable and hydrated.