The State Government is doubling the number of residential rehabilitation beds on the Limestone Coast for those in need of drug and alcohol treatment and support.
The government has committed more than $3m to deliver six new rehabilitation beds in Mount Gambier – lifting the total number to 12.
The six new beds are two more than originally promised during last year’s election campaign.
Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia (DASSA) has expanded its partnership with not-for-profit organisation Uniting Communities to provide the six new rehabilitation beds.
Uniting Communities will operate all 12 beds in the region.
They will offer 24/7 support, providing clients with high-intensity treatment through a stepped model of care, allowing effective treatment for people with varying and often complex needs.
The new beds will come online in July and follow the State Government’s commitment to working in partnership with local organisations already providing effective alcohol and other drug treatment programs to the community, building on established services.
The residential rehabilitation program will provide round the clock supervision to those who require care beyond that offered through the daytime support model offered through the existing six bed program.
It forms part of an approach to strengthen drug and alcohol support services by increasing beds and delivering therapeutic programs in the community, including more counselling support for families impacted by addiction.
Health Minister Chris Picton said the impacts of drug and alcohol addiction were devastating for families and communities.
“We are investing in services to support South Australians battling illicit drug and alcohol misuse to help people overcome the cycle of addition,” he said.
“Importantly, we want to help improve the lives of people in need of specialised drug and alcohol treatment and support in the Mount Gambier community.
“We are not only doubling the number of drug rehabilitation beds in the community but also ensuring that a full range of services are in place to deliver appropriate care to people seeking drug and alcohol treatment, and their families.
DASSA State Director Marina Bowshall said the group was pleased to extend its partnership with Uniting Communities to provide the residential rehabilitation services to the community.
“The Mount Gambier service will provide holistic and culturally sensitive individualised treatments plans, in a program that offers structured interventions throughout the day,” she said.
Uniting Communities chief executive Simon Schrapel said his group was glad to be able to extend its residential drug and alcohol support services for the Limestone Coast community by delivering a specialist six bed, 24/7 and supported outreach service in Mount Gambier.
“This expansion will complement the suite of community based and residential programs already available to the community and most importantly will allow, for the first time, the delivery of an intensive supervised therapeutic residential service,” he said.
“Having this program available in the South East region will enable more residents to receive assistance and rehabilitation in their own community,” he said.
Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell said any strengthening of our drug and alcohol treatment sector was welcomed and it was essential for Limestone Coast residents to be able to access the treatment they need close to home.
“This investment means more local people will have the 24/7 support and care they need when they require assistance overcoming the cycle of addiction,” he said.
