Expanded alcohol and drug counselling services are now available for Central Queensland individuals and families affected by the problematic use of alcohol and other drugs, including methamphetamine (ice).
Speaking at the official launch of the expanded services on 29 August, 2017, Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the additional $224,000 federal government funding is a vital boost to after-hours and crisis care support services for people across Capricornia.
“The work of these service providers will greatly enhance the capacity to provide assistance in the local area.” said Ms Landry.
“Drug and alcohol misuse takes a great toll on families and communities in Central Queensland and we’re pleased to support programmes like this that make a real difference in the battle against ice.”
Lives Lived Well CEO, Mitchell Giles, said the funding from Central Queensland, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast PHN (the PHN) would expand the service and providing more drug and alcohol support to communities across Central Queensland.
“As well as expanding the range of services offered at our Rockhampton and Gladstone offices, we will now also be delivering outreach services to people in Biloela,” he said.
“Historically, residents in this area have had limited access to alcohol and drug support, so our expansion to include Biloela fills a significant gap in the services for this rural community.
“By expanding our team, we will be able to help even more people and families being impacted by ice.
“While ice is a focus, our counsellors are trained to work with people who have problems with any kind of drug, including alcohol, and can offer care and support for a range of needs, from mild to complex.
“The funding from the PHN enables us to deliver a group day program, Life Back, for people who want to learn how to reduce their dependence on drugs or alcohol.
“We developed Life Back to provide a more flexible style of support, as we recognised that alternatives to residential rehabilitation programs were needed.
“Not everyone experiencing a problem with drugs or alcohol has the capacity to enter full-time residential rehabilitation, so we are expanding our services to cater to client demand for a less intensive form of treatment.
“Our flexible services allow for counselling to be delivered over the phone, face-to-face and in group sessions.
Pattie Hudson, CEO for the PHN, said the new services would enhance local support for people who needed help.
“Through our community engagement and health planning, we have identified a demand for improved access to alcohol and drug counselling services at a local level,” she said.
“We are looking forward to working with Lives Lived Well as they deliver counselling, case management, group programs and outreach services for individuals and families across our region.
“These services will provide support to individuals and families who are affected by the harmful misuse of substances such as alcohol and methamphetamine.
“Their work will help members of our community get their lives back on track and provide more opportunities for people to access the help they need.”
People who are thinking of addressing their use of alcohol or other drugs, can contact Lives Lived Well on 1300 727 957.
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Michelle Saftich – Marketing & Media Officer
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