LOCAL LIFE

discriminate . In the Hawkesbury , there has been a lack of permanent and accessible services offering affordable communitybased support .”

“ When it comes to supporting people with AOD concerns , residential rehabilitation services are important but aren ’ t always suitable in every situation . Some people have responsibilities that prevent them from being able to commit to a residential program and this can act as a barrier to seeking help . That is why community-based support is so important . People need to be able to seek support and get well within their own community .”

Federal Member for Macquarie , Susan Templeman , welcomed the opening of the service .

“ I ’ m proud that the Federal Government is supporting this service which has been long needed in the Hawkesbury . I congratulate Wentworth Healthcare for finding a model designed to suit local needs and give people the ability to continue living in their community as they tackle their addiction ,” she said .

WHOS Executive Director , Garth Popple , said the organisation is excited to partner with the Wentworth Healthcare to operate the WHOS Hawkesbury .

Services provided at WHOS Hawkesbury are free and include comprehensive AOD support , structured group work , counselling , case management , GP liaison , relapse prevention , access to services including housing and welfare , and provides free breakfast and lunch daily for clients .

An outreach program will also operate out of the centre , to improve access for , and work closely with , a local Aboriginal community organisation to ensure services are culturally appropriate and accessible .

“ Stakeholders in our region have been advocating for community-based models of care , where multiple services are available to provide wrap around support for people with multiple , and often complex , issues ,” said Ms Reay .

“ We look forward to continuing to work with WHOS , the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District and other community organisations to provide an integrated service that allows for additional access to support and helps to reduce unnecessary hospital presentations ,” she added .

“ WHOS Hawkesbury is a place where people of the Hawkesbury area experiencing issues associated with their substance use , can access our range of best practice community-based support services .”

WHOS range of services ensure people are provided with a tailored and flexible approach that meet their individual needs .

“ At WHOS we are looking forward to further develop relationships with a variety of service partners , such as Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District and the local Aboriginal community , as we collectively work towards the common goal of reducing substance use related harm in the Hawkesbury ”, Mr Popple said .

The service , located at 2 Forbes Street , Windsor , operates from 9.00am - 5.00pm , Monday to Friday . Patients can be referred by GPs , other specialists or self-refer , and can either walk-in or attend prearranged appointments . Visit www . nbmphn . com . au / WHOSHawkesbury or contact WHOS on 4509 9110 to make an appointment or for more information .

Decomposed Granite Decorative Gravel

Mulch Supplies

Quarry & Recycled Products Sand Supplies

Soils & Manures

All materials avail . in small bags

Specialising in 1 tonne Bulka-Bags

OPEN 7 DAYS

Other Products Bricks , Block , Pavers , Building Products Cement & Oxides , Concrete Products Fertilisers , Garden Stakes , Sleepers Steel Building Products , Treated Pine Sleepers

TURF AVAILABLE * SIR WALTER * EUREKA KIKUYU * TIFFTUFF * SIR GRANGE

Cnr Windsor & Rouse Roads ROUSE HILL

Cnr Racecourse & Blacktown Roads SOUTH WINDSOR

Scan here to Access Our Website

THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 173 // OCTOBER 2024 5