PEOPLE at risk of harm from alcohol and drug use in the Hunter New England district, will have greater access to support and treatment, with a $37 million funding boost from the NSW Government to enhance services over four years.

The investment includes funding for Hunter New England Local Health District and local non-government organisations services.

This includes $10.2 million over four years to establish a new residential rehabilitation and withdrawal management service for young people 12-17 years, delivered by Ted Noffs Foundation and $2 million over four years for new post-custodial support services delivered by Odyssey House for people in the Hunter Valley region.

Almost $25 million over four years has been allocated to Hunter New England Local Health District for the delivery of a range of specialist alcohol and other drug treatment and support.

Residential rehabilitation and withdrawal management

The new program will include 10 rehabilitation beds that provide residential treatment for young people for up to three months.

There will also be two beds for the management of alcohol and other drug withdrawal.

It is expected around 120 young people will be able to participate in the program each year.

Post-custodial support services

Case management and support will be offered to people up to three months prior to release from custody and up to 12 months post-release.

Around 100 people will benefit from these services each year.

Hunter New England Local Health District Services

The new funding will mean the district is able to offer improved access to hospital consultation-liaison services, increased access to support for young people, expansion of the Substance Use in Pregnancy and Parenting Services (SUPPS), a new Child and Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Service including withdrawal management, and expansion of the Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) program, including funding for increased access to residential rehabilitation.

Drug Summit

The NSW Government held a multi-day regional Drug Summit in Griffith and Lismore in November, bringing together health experts, police, people with lived and living experiences, organisations of people who use drugs, families and other stakeholders to provide a range of perspectives.

The Summit will also conduct a Sydney forum on Wednesday and Thursday, December 4-5.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said the program will boost access to much needed support services in this region.

“We are continuing our commitment to improving health outcomes for people, and their families, impacted by drugs and alcohol across the state,” Mr park said.

“The programs we are investing in, are targeted to meet the unique needs of people living in rural and regional areas, and priority population groups including Aboriginal people, pregnant women, people with mental health conditions, young people, and people involved in the criminal justice system.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said drug use impacts individuals, families and communities in many different ways.

“That’s why this investment will mean so much to people in the Hunter New England region,” she said.

“It’s vital that we continue to support local community organisations, that work hand in hand with Hunter New England Local Health District to help people achieve recovery and rebuild their lives.”