People at risk of harm from alcohol and drug use in Hunter New England, will have greater access to support and treatment, with a $37 million funding boost from the NSW Government to enhance services over four years.
The investment includes funding for Hunter New England Local Health District and local non-government organisations services, including:
- $10.2 million over four years for establishing a new residential rehabilitation and withdrawal management service for young people 12-17 years, delivered by Ted Noffs Foundation.
- $2 million over four years for new post-custodial support services delivered by Odyssey House for people in the Hunter Valley region.
- Almost $25 million over four years has been allocated to Hunter New England Local Health District for the delivery of a range of specialist alcohol and other drug treatment and support.
Residential rehabilitation and withdrawal management
The new program will include 10 rehabilitation beds that provide residential treatment for young people for up to three months. There will also be two beds for the management of alcohol and other drug withdrawal. It is expected that around 120 young people will be able to participate in the program each year.
Post-custodial support services
Case management and support will be offered to people up to three months prior to release from custody and up to 12 months post-release. Around 100 people will benefit from these services each year.
Hunter New England Local Health District Services
The new funding will mean the district is able to offer improved access to hospital consultation-liaison services, increased access to support for young people, expansion of the Substance Use in Pregnancy and Parenting Services (SUPPS), a new Child and Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Service including withdrawal management, and expansion of the Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) program, including funding for increased access to residential rehabilitation.
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, organisations of people who use drugs, 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 rural and 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 Hunter Yasmin Catley
"We know that drug use impacts individuals, families and communities in many different ways, and that's why this investment will mean so much to people in the Hunter New England region.
"It's vital that we continue to support local community organisations, that work hand in hand with Hunter New England Local Health District to help people achieve recovery and rebuild their lives."
Quotes attributable to Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington
"I'm relieved to see such significant investment in the health and wellbeing of our community because it's so desperately needed.
"The NSW Government's commitment to providing a safe, supportive environment for young people to heal and regain control of their lives will be a game changer for them and our communities."
Quotes attributable to Member for Charlestown, Jodie Harrison:
"Making sure people have local access to specialised drug and alcohol treatment and support can be life-changing.
"I often hear from people that lack of access to local support is a huge barrier to them or their loved ones with substance abuse problems getting the help they need to overcome addiction.
"This funding boost is an important investment in the families and communities in our region. It means these services will be able to reach more people in need in our community and help them achieve long-lasting recovery."
Quotes attributable to Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison
"This additional investment will help people in Maitland who are managing alcohol and drug addiction in Maitland to access more support.
"The Minns Labor government is delivering better health care for the regions, particularly in Maitland."
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
"This investment will make a huge difference in the lives of some very vulnerable people in our local area. Supporting those impacted by drugs and alcohol to overcome these challenges helps not only them, but their families and our whole community."
Quotes attributable to Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr
"As a local MP I am often asked by families of drug affected people, for the Government to help them help their loved ones. I am so proud that this money is being invested, to bring that help closer to reality for so many.
"We really do need to be working through drug addiction as a matter of Health and not just a law and order problem. This funding will help us to do this."
Quotes attributable to Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp
"As one of the biggest regional health districts in NSW, this funding will go a long way to supporting some of our most vulnerable community members.
"This is an important step forward in increasing community support for those impacted by drugs."
