The Currajong Aboriginal Health Centre has launched a new project to offer more support to people with drug, alcohol and mental health issues.
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Aboriginal Hub Project is a partnership between Currajong and Aboriginal drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres Orana Haven in Brewarrina and Weigelli in Cowra.
Funding was made available by the Western NSW Primary Health Network after the need for drug and alcohol specific services in the Aboriginal community was identified.
Project coordinators Norm Henderson (Orana Haven) and Doug James (Weigelli) say they will work on a case by case basis.
“We want to inform the community and other organisations there is a new service available that will hopefully better coordinate support and referrals for our clients,” Doug said.
Norm said they are working on the idea that each journey is an individual one.
“Whether it's addiction or ill health, the blanket approach hasn’t been working,” he said.
“So we are going to try things a little differently.”
The hub is based in the Currajong Aboriginal Health Centre where enrolled nurse and drug and alcohol referral worker Jacqueline Read will coordinate clients.
“Because Jacqui is well known in the Aboriginal community and knows all the different services available it will be a better assessment system,” Norm said.
“Our clients are already at ease with Jacqui.”
Through the assessment process Jacqui will work out where the best referral for that individual is.
“Part of Jacqui’s job then is to make sure that referral happens,” Norm said.
“There has been a gap identified that people aren’t following through with their referrals, especially aboriginal clients.
“So Jacqui will keep in contact, support them until they work through whatever it is they are working through and follow up with after care.”
Norm said the the funding body has given the coordinators a fairly wide berth.
“What we are trying to do is find out what the community needs and work from there rather than coming in with the ‘we are all going to save you’ approach,” he said.
Doug said most rehabilitation centres have a four to six week wait.
“Generally if clients have a supportive network or they have someone who is going to contact them, they’ll be ok while they wait for admission,” he said.
“Research shows one of things that makes the most difference for people to get well is the relationship they have with someone.”
Contact Jacqueline Read on 0418 252 409 or ring Currajong Street Medical Centre on 6862 1699 and ask for Jacqueline.
