FDS 2023 Annual Report

25 Family Drug Support expanding reach of support for families… ACT Expansion Family Drug Support welcomed the ACT government announcement regarding the establishment of a new service for families who have been affected by drug use. Family Drug Support will be administering the 12- month pilot program launched by Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith which will include face-to-face, online education and support for families. ‘This announcement is so welcome and will enable us to establish a team in the ACT to deliver our services directly to families affected by alcohol and other drugs.’ – Tony Trimingham OAM, CEO and Founder – Family Drug Support. Tony Trimingham OAM, ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith QLD – Darling Downs Launch Tony Trimingham and FDS staff from QLD launched FDS services in the Toowoomba area. Tony along with other members of the FDS team delivered Support the Family – Improve the Outcome workshops to drug and alcohol services, mental health services, youth and family services and community services in the Toowoomba area. Support the Family – Improve the Outcome workshops deliver an overview on what a family is, the importance of family in treatment and recovery, what families experience, engaging with families plus much more. FDS also ran two Family Support Meetings and held presentations with various agencies in the area. NSW – Expanding reach in rural & regional across NSW FDS have increased vital support services for families across the New England and North West of NSW in September 2022. FDS have partnered with local CDATs and agencies in hosting a number of FDS workshops including, but not limited to Support the Family – Improve the Outcome (Dec 2022) in Armidale NSW; Stepping Forward (April 23) in Gunnedah NSW; and the establishment of regular FDS New England North West Family Support Group. SA – Expanding reach in rural & regional across SA FDS have been proactively working on expanding reach of vital FDS support services across regional SA, including employment of 2 additional staff. FDS are utilising innovative measures to break down barriers to access and reduce stigma. FDS have hosted a number of FDS workshops including but not limited to Stepping Forward sessions; FDS In-service presentations and establishment of FDS Family Support Meetings across regional SA.