A new program has been launched to stop people from communities in Western NSW missing out on drug and alcohol support services because they require travelling to other towns.
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The new Roadmaps mobile counselling service aims to provide people the support they need within their community.
The Roadmaps program is a free service, operated by Lyndon Dubbo Outreach, as part of the not-for-profit Lives Lived Well organisation. The program is is funded by the Western NSW Public Health Network (PHN) and the Australian Federal Government.
Roadmaps provides an intensive rehabilitation program over two days a week, for six weeks. The program involves individual and group counselling sessions, and links participants with support services in their community.
The Roadmaps program has helped a lot. It has opened my eyes – and made everything a lot easier.
- Roadmaps participant
Roadmaps will deliver service in towns across western NSW including Nyngan, Warren, Gilgandra and Wellington.
“Problems with drugs and alcohol affect all communities. The need in the smaller communities is just as high in the larger regional towns and city areas,” Lives Lived Well director of operations Ed Zarnow said.
“Sometimes I think the smaller rural communities get forgotten...They miss out on some of the services available,” Mr Zarnow said.
Western NSW Public Health Network CEO Mr Andrew Harvey said the program offers the “right care, at the right place at the right time.”
“We are pleased to announce the commissioning of Lives Lived Well to deliver counselling, case management and group programs people and families across our region,” Mr Harvey said.
“People living in rural and regional areas have historically had very limited access to alcohol and drug support services. Funding Roadmaps to be delivered in towns such as Nyngan and Warren fills a significant gap in the services for rural communities.”
Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton officially launched the program.
“We know that people do well when they receive support in their own community, with family and friends close by,” Mr Coulton said.
A Roadmaps participant, who didn’t wish to be named said he ‘wanted to change’, when asked why he joined the program.
“I wanted to make my life better than what it is.”
The launch marked the fourth week of the program and one participant said they didn’t feel six weeks was long enough, as ‘we’re only just starting to get better’. He wanted to ensure he had the skills and support to be successful after the program.
Roadmaps provides a follow up appointment at two weeks and four weeks after the program. Another round will begin before Christmas this year. Participants have been invited to be mentors in the Gilgandra and Wellington programs.
To enquire about Roadmaps call 0429 927 714 or email DubboOutreach@liveslivedwell.org.au.
