Barwon Community AOD Hub opens

Martin Foley MP, Minister for Mental Health, officially opened the new Barwon Community AOD Hub in Gordon Avenue, Geelong West on Thursday 22 March 2018.

Barwon Child, Youth & Family (BCYF) Board Chair John Frame said the contemporary new facility is improving the integration of alcohol and drug services for the Geelong community.

“The new Barwon Community AOD Hub brings together a suite of state funded and primary health funded programs to support people in the local community and their families, whose lives are affected by drug and alcohol use, from the one convenient location.” Mr Frame said.

The Barwon Community AOD Hub has been made possible through a $500,000 capital grant from The Victorian Government Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drug Services program, which BCYF received in partnership with Stepping Up Barwon. BCYF who own the building and managed the project, contributed $288,000 and Stepping Up Barwon also supported it significantly with $100,000.

BCYF Board Chair John Frame thanked the Victorian Government and Stepping Up Barwon for supporting the refurbishment.

“Barwon Child, Youth & Family is committed to continually improving services that support our vision for a community where people are safe, connected and empowered to live well. Thanks to the Victorian Government and our partners Stepping Up Barwon, we have a brand new facility which will benefit our community for years to come, Mr Frame added.

The community will be able to access a range of free AOD services from the new facility such as counselling, education and treatment programs delivered by both BCYF and Stepping Up Barwon. There are also a range of spaces that can cater for individual and group treatment, including a colouful space for children who are affected by a family member’s substance use to access art therapy to help them express how they are feeling.

Minister for Mental Health, Martin Foley said “Alcohol and drug addiction has a devastating impact on families and local communities – and we need to make sure the very best treatment services are available.”

“This new Barwon Community Alcohol & Other Drugs Hub means local people can access alcohol and drug counselling, education and support services when they need them, in a modern, purpose-built environment.”

“The facility is designed to accommodate more staff and assist people of all-abilities.”

Already the feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, with clients and their families describing the Hub as welcoming, comfortable and safe.

The new Barwon Community AOD Hub is located at 25 Gordon Avenue, Geelong West.

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