In a first for regional WA, a specialised treatment and support service is being trialled to help individuals and families in the Avon Valley impacted by methamphetamine use.
More than half a million dollars of Australian Government funding has been invested in the Northam-based service, commissioned by the WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) and delivered by Holyoake Wheatbelt Community Alcohol and Drug Service.
Federal Member for Pearce, Christian Porter, said this service was the Federal Government’s response to a drug report that was commissioned over three years.
“Most people don’t use methamphetamine, however for those that do and experience problems, it is a drug that can cause significant harm,” Mr Porter said. “Demand for methamphetamine treatment services in Northam and surrounding areas has grown over the past year.
For the first time, the number of people accessing treatment for methamphetamine locally has exceeded that of alcohol and we know that it is of concern to the community.”
WAPHA regional manager Fiona Bush said the new service will provide improved access to treatment and support for individuals and their families in Northam and surrounding towns.
“This is a great step towards delivering effective treatment services and is an opportunity to trial a comprehensive response to users of methamphetamine and other drugs,” she said.
Ms Bush said the evidenced-based approach will support sustained recovery and it’s hoped that the positive outcomes may result in a further expansion of the model throughout the state.
Holyoake chief executive officer Angie Paskevicius said the service will have a long-term focus on supporting people.
“This initiative acknowledges that support for methamphetamine use requires a customised approach that is holistic, intensive and sustained to better meet the needs of individuals and their families,” Ms Paskevicius said.
People can self-refer or they can be referred by their GP to Holyoake’s multidisciplinary specialist methamphetamine team based in Northam.
Holyoake will trial the new service until June 30 2018, with evaluation being conducted by the National Drug Research Institute at Curtin University.
For more information contact Holyoake on 9621 1055 or adminnortham@holyoake.org.au
