An identified demand for better access to drug and alcohol counselling in western Queensland has resulted in the commissioning of a Lives Lived Well service in Longreach.
Initially offering one-on-one counselling and case management in the Longreach, Barcaldine, Blackall and Winton regions, it hopes to start an outreach service to Boulia later in the year.
According to the CEO of the Western Queensland Primary Health Network, Stuart Gordon, the new services will deliver much-needed local support for people struggling with drug or alcohol problems.
“Through our community engagement and health planning, we have identified a demand for improved access to the services our community needs at a local level,” he said.
“We are pleased to announce the commissioning of Lives Lived Well to deliver counselling, case management and outreach services to people and families across our region.
“The work of this service provider will greatly enhance the capacity of existing services in the local area.
“The team from Lives Lived Well will work with individuals and their families to get things back on track.”
Lives Lived Well CEO, Mitchell Giles, welcomed the funding, saying it would enable his organisation to deliver a range of counselling services to communities across western Queensland.
“Historically, people living in western Queensland have had limited access to alcohol and drug counselling support,” he said.
“Our services include one-on-one counselling and case management for people in Longreach, Barcaldine, Winton and Blackall.
“We also hope to introduce an outreach service to Boulia and start running a group program, Life Back, in Longreach, later in the year.
“Life Back is a six week non-residential day program for adults who have completed a withdrawal program and want to reduce their dependence on drugs or alcohol.
“Across Queensland, we are finding a growing demand for this type of flexible, non-residential program, because it enables people to access more intense counselling without entering a residential facility.
“Through the Life Back program, our clients can continue to meet their work and family responsibilities while learning how to maintain the motivation to reduce their dependence on drugs or alcohol.
“Our flexible services allow for counselling to be delivered over the phone, face-to-face and in group sessions. Our services are free, and no referral is needed.”
People who are thinking of addressing their use of alcohol or other drugs can contact Lives Lived Well on 1300 727 957 or visit www.liveslivedwell.org.au
