COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN today announced Commonwealth funding to support Lives
Lived Well to establish a new drug and alcohol rehabilitation service for people in Jervis Bay, St
Georges Basin and Sanctuary Point areas of the Shoalhaven.
Dianne Kitcher, CEO of the South Eastern NSW PHN, said this funding forms part of the
Commonwealth’s Community Health and Hospital Program (CHHP) which aims to increase access to
services for people with a drug and alcohol dependence, and reduce pressure on community and
hospital services.
“We have been working with local networks and service providers to identify a number of gaps and
barriers for people in the Shoalhaven accessing drug and alcohol treatment. This included limited
treatment services in particular day programs and community-based/home detox, lack of transport,
accommodation issues and long wait lists for out of area rehabilitation services,” said Ms Kitcher.
“Following an extensive tender process, we are delighted to fund Lives Lived Well to implement the
service in the Shoalhaven region from October 2020, in partnership with Watershed.
“Lives Lived Well will use a stepped model of care which incorporates both day programs and
withdrawal support, using a blend of place-based service delivery and mobile outreach,” she said
The service contains a number of key components 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 and 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.
“There will also be a community engagement officer who will provide specialist health promotion,
referral generation, and practical support for clients, plus specialist medical and clinical
support. This will enable individuals to access drug and alcohol treatment services closer to home,
while building workforce and provider capacity,” said Ms Kitcher.
Ms Fiona Phillips MP, Member for Gilmore welcomed the funding announcement and the continued focus
on supporting people recover from drug and alcohol dependence.
“This is great news for Shoalhaven residents 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 Ms Phillips.
“Clients, families and the local community will benefit greatly from this new holistic approach to care, especially given the lack of local drug and alcohol rehabilitation services previously,” she added.
This initiative is supported by funding through the Australian Government’s PHN Program.
