A new drug and alcohol withdrawal management and rehabilitation service is now available to assist people living in the Shoalhaven including Jervis Bay, St Georges Basin and Sanctuary Point.

According to Dianne Kitcher, CEO of the South Eastern NSW PHN, the service will be run by Lives Lived Well, a specialist provider of drug and alcohol treatment and support services in NSW and Queensland, in partnership with Watershed, a leading Wollongong-based AOD treatment service.

“We are delighted that Nana Mura which means better road, is now accepting referrals for local people aged over 18 years who have a drug or alcohol concern,” said Ms Kitcher.

“The service offers day programs and withdrawal support provided from the centre in Nowra or via mobile outreach,” she said

The service offers several support programs including:

• withdrawal support/detox for low to moderate risk clients which will be led by GPs and complemented by counselling and case management
• non-residential rehabilitation day program including assessment, treatment and relapse prevention planning sessions three days per week
• an aftercare relapse prevention group offered for those who have completed the day program and want to stay connected to their recovery.

Mitchell Giles, CEO of Lives Lived Well said there will also be a community engagement officer who will provide specialist health promotion and practical support for clients. In addition, the team offers specialist medical and clinical support.

“This will enable local people to access drug and alcohol treatment services closer to home, while also building workforce and provider capacity,” said Mr Giles.

Services will be based out of the new site at 78 Bridge Road Nowra, with outreach into Jervis Bay, St Georges Basin and Sanctuary Point.

“We offer a safe space where people can talk about the issues that matter to them.”

Mrs Fiona Phillips MP, Member for Gilmore welcomed the new day service and the continued focus on supporting people to recover from drug and alcohol dependence.

“This is great news for local people who may be concerned about their level of alcohol use, or use of prescription or illicit drugs, as well as for family members concerned about a loved one,” said Mrs Phillips.

“It will help to address the limited number of residential rehabilitation options in the Shoalhaven and reduce barriers which may have prevented people from accessing services in the past due to lack of transport from our coastal communities such as Jervis Bay, St Georges Basin and Sanctuary Point,” she added.

Referral is easy. People can self-refer at www.liveslivedwell.org.au, or be referred by another service provider. Family members are also welcome to call the service for information and support.

For more information email [email protected] or phone 1300 727 957.

This initiative is supported by funding through the Australian Government’s PHN Program.