People at risk of harm from alcohol and drug use in Far West NSW, will have greater access to support and treatment, with a $10.7 million funding boost from the NSW Government to enhance services over four years.
The investment includes funding for Far West Local Health District and local non-government organisations services, including:
Day rehabilitation and counselling for young people
The day rehabilitation program, being run by Mission Australia, includes individual counselling and support, group based support and education and care coordination for up to 6 months. The program will offer outreach to a range of locations such as schools, youth services or recreation centres, to connect young people to their community, and focus on building supportive relationships. Young people participating in the program will have access to a range of health and social support services.
The program is expected to support up to 150 young people each year.
Aboriginal AOD prevention programs
Funding will be provided to Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations to deliver community-based prevention programs for Aboriginal young people aged 12-24 years old. These programs will be culturally safe and based on community need. They will be innovative and trial novel approaches, building evidence of effective prevention strategies for Aboriginal communities.
Far West Local Health District Services
The district will be able to offer increased access to treatment and clinical expertise through the expansion of critical workforce and virtual care; strengthening support for local Aboriginal communities; and building partnerships to better support young people and people involved in the justice system, including expansion of the Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment (MERIT) program.
Drug Summit
The NSW Government held a multiday regional Drug Summit in Griffith and Lismore in November, bringing together health experts, police, people with lived and living experiences, drug user organisations, families and other stakeholders to provide a range of perspectives.
The Summit will also include a Sydney forum to be held on Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 December,
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
“I am so pleased to announce this important investment into these life changing services, which will boost access to much needed support services in this region.
“We are continuing our commitment to improving health outcomes for people, and their families, impacted by drugs and alcohol across the state.
“The programs we are investing in, are targeted to meet the unique needs of people living in regional areas, and priority population groups including Aboriginal people, pregnant women, people with mental health conditions, young people, and people involved in the criminal justice system."
Quotes attributable to Member for Barwon Roy Butler:
“We know that alcohol and other drug use impacts individuals, families and communities in many different ways and we also know that there are gaps in drug and alcohol treatment services across much of Barwon.
“I welcome this funding boost and the additional specialist treatment and early intervention services that will be delivered during the next four years in the Far West, but there is still much more to do.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Murray Helen Dalton:
“It’s a relief to see a commitment from the government to support rural and remote organisations and acknowledging the scourge of drug and alcohol addiction is not only in the city.
“It’s a significant acknowledgement from the government that rural and remote communities are at equally high risk as people in urban NSW from substance abuse. This funding is a lifeline for many vulnerable people in the bush who are in desperate need of help.”