Drug rehab for Newcastle but nothing heard on North West NSW service

A new youth-focused, intensive alcohol and other drug rehabilitation service has been launched in Newcastle but no word yet on a complementary service for North West NSW.

The Youth Rehab run by the Ted Noffs Foundation (Noffs) is a three-month, residential withdrawal management and rehabilitation program specific to adolescents aged 12 to 17.

The service takes a holistic, harm-reduction approach, supporting young people through complex trauma, alcohol and other drug use, and behavioural challenges, helping them safely move forward in their lives.

The new rehabilitation service was funded as part of the NSW Government response to the Ice Inquiry, which aimed to address treatment gaps and improve health and social outcomes, particularly for young people, and people in regional and rural areas. Almost $13 million over four years has been invested in the new service, including capital funding.

The new service in Newcastle follows a call by Gunnedah Shire Council for the establishment of a locally-based drug and alcohol rehabilitation service for the Tamworth, Gunnedah and surrounding areas.

Last month Gunnedah mayor Colleen Fuller gained support from fellow councillors to write to the NSW Minister for Health advocating for the repurposing of the former mental health Banksia facility in Tamworth for this objective.

Meanwhile the Newcastle Youth Rehab will be delivered by a multi-disciplinary team trained in trauma-informed care, the program includes individual counselling, group work, family support, education and vocational training, life skills, recreational activities, and in-reach medical care provided by the local health district.

The new service operates under the Palm therapeutic community model, which empowers participants to take an active role in the day-to-day running of their community, developing accountability, decision-making skills, and social connection.

Young people are supported beyond the program, with up to three years of post-residential case management offered in their community.

Referrals can be made by general practitioners, health professionals, community workers, family members, and young people can also self-refer. An intake worker is available during business hours to support the process.

RIGHT: Gunnedah shire mayor Colleen Fuller. Council last month agreed to write to the Minister for Health, calling for more drug and alcohol rehabilitation services in the region.