People at risk of harm from alcohol and drug use in the Central Coast region, will have greater access to support and treatment, with a $13.7 million funding boost from the NSW Government to enhance services over four years.
The investment includes funding for Central Coast Local Health District and local non-government organisations services, including:
- $2.5 million over four years for a new day rehabilitation and case management service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents with dependent children, to be delivered by Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Health Services.
- $600,000 over 3 years has been allocated for community-based prevention programs for Aboriginal young people aged 12-24 years.
- $11.2 million over four years has been allocated to Central Coast Local Health district to increase access to specialist alcohol and other drug treatment services.
Day rehabilitation and case management
The new program by Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Health Services will offer culturally responsive day rehabilitation and counselling, support with accessing a range of social services, parenting groups and cultural programs. Support will be provided to parents and their children for up to six months, seeing around 40 families a 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.
Central Coast Local Health District services
The district will be able to provide much needed treatment and support. Funding includes the establishment of a new Assertive Community Management program, offering intensive case management support to people with complex needs through a multi-disciplinary team that includes a dedicated Aboriginal Health Clinician. There is also an expansion of critical services such as the Substance Use in Pregnancy and Parenting Services (SUPPS), hospital consultation liaison and key clinical roles.
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 Minister for the Central Coast David Harris
"We know that drug and alcohol abuse impacts individuals, families and communities in many different ways, and that's why this investment will mean so much to the Central Coast community.
"It's vital that we continue to support local community organisations, that work hand-in-hand with Central Coast Local Health District to help people achieve recovery and rebuild their lives.
"We also know the best way to close the gap is by Aboriginal people shaping and driving outcomes for Aboriginal people, in partnership with the NSW Government and that early intervention is the best way to keep Aboriginal young people safe from at-risk behaviour."
Quotes attributable to Member for The Entrance David Mehan
"We see too often the devastating effects of the impact of alcohol and drug use in our community.
" This funding aims to minimise the risk and increase the support available in our community, at a time when it is most needed.
"It is vital these Services are equipped with the funding required to offer specialised support and treatment, and I am pleased that this investment is being made across the Central Coast."
Quotes attributable to Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch
"I know the devastating impact that drug and alcohol use can have on individuals and their loved ones, changing the direction of people's lives.
"This significant investment in our local Central Coast services is about investing in the future of our community, investing in putting our communities lives back on track.
"I am proud to be part of a NSW Government that is investing in providing people with the support they need, empowering them to rebuild their lives, fostering hope, recovery and a path forward."
