|
Michael Boyd. Some months ago we had a discussion at Rotary Board Meeting about the Lookout Project. Geoff Soma, CEO of WRAAD, and Matty Stewart have come to talk about the Lookout Project. Matty and Geoff both expressed thanks to the club for their support of community projects and particularly a $5000 to the Lookout Project. WRAAD provide a number of services in partnership with other agencies across the southwest. The services we provide include: - Brief Intervention
- Sliding Doors - day program for people experiencing issues with the courts
- Consortium - counselling and support recovery
- DARE - early intervention and services for youth
- WARP - Client support group
At the extreme end people are spending up to $3000 a week on their drug habit which is supported by crime. An ICE dealer was bringing $28,000 of ICE into Warrnambool every 3 days. Alcohol - One guy recently drinking up to 2 dozen cans a day. Majority of clients male 30-45 years of age. 60% of clients have mental health problems with their addiction problem. The drug problem is only one part of the issue. 24% live alone. 50% living at home with family - causing a huge impact on families. 71% of clients are unemployed. It is very hard for clients not to relapse if they have no job or no home. Primary drug use - 43% Alcohol, Cannabis 27%, Amphetamines 20% Urgent need for residential treatment in the Great South Coast. Majority of treatment facilities are in metro areas, closest will be in Ballarat (starting next year). Warrnambool is a good base for residential rehab as there are a number of wrap-around services are available. $1.8mill need for capital funding. $540,000 has been raised in 12 weeks. Currently in discussions with Government to provide recurrent funding of approx. $1.1mill per year. Next steps: A local place - secluded but not isolated with land around, close enough to the CBD to access services. A suitable facility A specialist workforce A coordinated model of care and support. Clients will engage in work skills practices and work with one another to maintain and care for their residence. The ultimate goal: Reducing the damaging effects of alcohol and other drug dependence, on clients, their loved ones, and their communities. $540,000 raised from the community. $400,000 is being provided by WRAD. Currently about $600,000 short and hoping to get this from the federal government. 20 bed facility. 3-month program, or longer. Some clients may need to come back into treatment for a further 3-month program. Success rate 1/3 drop out, 1/3 do well for a short while, 1/3 do well long-term. Michael thanked Geoff and Matt for their presentation. |
.jpg)
