2017-18 Annual Report including 2019 Calendar Crookwell ingello outreach Marulan community Pathways Murrumbidgee Griffith, NSW oung location Gunning ass Pathways Goulburn of office& Temora Collector Goulburn, NSW services Leeton Cootamundra Arcadia House Tarago Narrandera Bruce, ACT Civic NSP Coolamon Phillip NSP Canberra City, ACT Phillip, ACT Braidwood Pathways Murrumbidgee Wagga Wagga, NSW Head Office Woden, ACT Tumut
Batemans Bay
Pathways Eurobodalla Moruya, NSW
Narooma Pathways Monaro Cooma, NSW
Jindabyne Berridale Pathways Bega Valley Bega, NSW
Bombala Merimbula
Eden January
TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 Jan New Years Day (public holiday) / 26 Jan Australia Day (public holiday) Our Organisation
Directions Health Services has provided specialist evident in our calendar photos, which represent Acknowledgement alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment and a variety of symbolic pathways that are reflective Directions Health Services acknowledges support programs for individuals and family of the diverse environments in which we work, in the traditional custodians of the lands upon members impacted by AOD use for over forty the ACT and New South Wales. which we serve, their ancestors and elders years. Over this time, our programs have evolved We work with individuals, their families and both past and present, and other represented to reflect the latest social and scientific research friends, the sector and wider community Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations. and have been adapted to suit the diverse to offer a comprehensive range of flexible We are committed to actions that promote communities in which we operate and their and complementary programs that include changing needs. Our mission is to instil hope reconciliation and a positive future for all community based Treatment and Support without judgment and to work in partnership to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services in the ACT, Murrumbidgee, Goulburn, maximise health and wellbeing. communities. Eurobodalla and Monaro regions, and have just We have a solid reputation for being client centred established a similar service in the Bega Valley. Valuing Diversity and working within a harm reduction approach. We also operate the ACT’s Needle and Syringe Directions values the Our logo is symbolic of our understanding that Program (NSP); Arcadia House withdrawal, contribution that diverse people are at different stages in terms of making residential rehabilitation and day programs; cultures, identities and choices and changes, and we are happy to work and the Canberra region’s only specialist AOD lifestyles make to our region, collaboratively with them, regardless of the stage primary health clinic, Althea Wellness Centre. enhancing the richness of they are at in the change process. Directions has an ongoing commitment to our society. Our positioning statement ‘Pathways to providing high quality services for individuals and Recovery’ does not mean that abstinence is family members impacted by alcohol, tobacco the goal; or that there is only one pathway to and other drug use. We have been very pleased recovery. Rather, we recognise that people to work with our primary funders – ACT Health, determine for themselves their goals and NSW Health and Capital Health, Murrumbidgee priorities, and the pathway that best suits them and Coordinare Primary Health Networks – to achieve these goals. We strive to support our to develop new and innovative models of care clients and their families along their journey, that are underpinned by evidence and best and understand that as their needs change, so practice guidelines, to better meet the needs of will their goals and priorities. This theme is also our communities.
Level 6, Cosmopolitian Centre Woden Square, ACT 2606 / 02 6132 4800 [email protected] / directionshealth.com February
FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 1 2 3 13 Feb Anniversary of Apology / 20 Feb World Day of Social Justice President’s Report
unknown and potentially dangerous substances, potential for misuse, however it is not currently and advocate for a drug checking trial at the accessible or affordable over the counter for many ACT Needle Syringe Program primary outlet. of the people who are at risk of overdose and We applaud the ACT Government’s efforts to death. This could be done immediately with very provide leadership in this area and urge them to minimal investment. continue to reduce potential harms by sponsoring innovative measures that can inform individuals We also know that we can substantially improve on the content of substances they are considering health outcomes by taking services to where consuming and educate them on the risks they vulnerable populations live, and are excited may be taking. at the prospect of expanding our work in this Directions Health Services President Frank Quinlan The Board is currently considering how the legal area in the coming year. We will continue to framework can best support a health first approach advocate for integrated and effective evidence for people impacted by substance use. We need based treatment, particularly for people with This has been an important and challenging year to work out better ways to reduce the stigma co-occurring mental illness, drug and alcohol for the Directions Health Services Board. experienced by people who are dependent on use and complex needs, as it is clear the current Together we have sought to actively challenge our alcohol or other drugs, encourage help seeking and fragmented approach is not serving them well. thinking and to question conventional wisdom. provide more timely treatment and support, and We have sought to arrive at positions that are reduce the devastating impact substance use and I commend the leadership of our CEO, Bronwyn supported by the best available evidence and by interaction with the legal system can have on the Hendry, and thank her and her dedicated staff the experience and wisdom of experts in the field, lives of disadvantaged individuals and their families. team for their tireless efforts in a relentlessly including those experts who have been using our There seems broad agreement in the community challenging environment. services. We have listened to our staff who are that the current approach is not working, and doing Over the next twelve months we look forward to providing services on the ground; and our clients more of the same will not be enough. and families through the Directions Community working with our CEO and staff, key stakeholders Whilst we as a community continue to debate and service partners to provide high quality, Advisory Group to whom I offer our deep which legal framework will promote the best compassionate and non-judgmental specialist appreciation and thanks. outcomes, we have identified at least one very alcohol and other drug services to the communities After extensive consideration of the local and simple effective action that governments can take international evidence, the Board resolved to to save lives. Making Naloxone freely available in which we work. We will continue to advocate for support the carefully controlled introduction of to people who are at risk of overdose, and to a fairer, more responsive service system and legal pill testing at festivals and other venues where people likely to witness an overdose, would save framework that can maximise the health, well- young people are likely to be considering taking lives. Naloxone is a life saving measure that has no being and safety of all community members.
02 6132 4800 / [email protected] / directionshealth.com March
FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 8 Mar International Women’s Day / 14 Mar Canberra Day (public holiday) / 15 Mar National Close the Gap Day / 21 Mar Harmony Day / 31 Mar International Drug Checking Day CEO’s Report
thank our Community Advisory Group members This year we have worked to increase our for sharing their wisdom - assisting us to media presence across each of the regions in continually improve the services we provide and which we work. We have used our profile to plan for the future. We are really looking forward advocate for increased support and investment to working with them again next year, and to in AOD services as well as highlighting issues expanding our regional representation. and influencing decision-making. In recent months, we have spoken out on issues ranging Demand for our community-based services from pill testing through to the release of data continues to be very strong in the ACT and proving AOD services make a real difference in NSW. This year we have focused on expanding people’s lives. We are strongly advocating for our outreach services so we can better meet increased access to Naloxone, particularly for the needs of vulnerable populations and the Directions Health Services CEO Bronwyn Hendry our NSP clients and family members at risk of dispersed communities within our surrounding experiencing or witnessing an overdose. regions. This included delivering integrated 2017/18 has been another very positive year for primary health and AOD treatment and support Over the coming year, we will continue to Directions. We have continued to diversify the services to Oakes Estate and Ainslie Village advocate for improved services for people with programs we offer and expand the communities in the ACT, establishing new offices in Wagga co-existing mental illness and substance use. we serve. Once again, I would like to thank Wagga, Cooma and Griffith and increasing Building on our specialist primary health and the Senior Management Team, Team Leaders, our visiting services to communities in the AOD expertise, we have proposed an integrated Coordinators and all Directions staff for their Goulburn-Mulwaree, Monaro, Murrumbidgee and model of care that can address both mental support, and for their unwavering commitment Eurobodalla regions. health and AOD issues simultaneously. to providing the best possible service for our clients and stakeholders. Directions was very pleased to submit our first We remain committed to ensuring vulnerable draft Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) members of our community can access services On behalf of myself and Directions staff, I would this year and to participate in the inaugural ACT that will meet their needs and improve their like to thank the Board President and Board Reconciliation Day activities. We have continued quality of life, as well as initiatives that can Members for their leadership and support. They mandatory cultural awareness and strengths based reduce harm now and in the future. Whilst the have worked collaboratively with us to ensure training for all our staff, introduced culturally funding environment remains a challenge, the our organisation continues to deliver high sensitive staff management training and increased comprehensive range of programs Directions quality services and is well placed to optimise the number of Aboriginal staff we employ in our delivers enables us to provide integrated holistic opportunities and meet the challenges the sector regional services. We look forward to officially care to meet the diverse needs of clients, and will face in the coming year. I would also like to launching our RAP in the coming months. contributes to our sustainability.
02 6132 4800 / [email protected] / directionshealth.com April
MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 7 Apr World Health Day / 19 Apr Good Friday (public holiday) / 21 Apr Easter Sunday (public holiday) / 22 Apr Easter Monday (public holiday) / 25 Apr ANZAC Day (public holiday) Althea Wellness Centre – ACT
Althea Wellness Centre, funded by the Capital peer education have been provided at several Health Network, provides comprehensive outreach sites. The integration of services primary health services for people whose health available to clients supports a ‘no wrong door’ is impacted by past or current AOD use, and approach for people seeking to address the their families. Althea services are integrated impacts of AOD use on their health with other specialist AOD programs and health and wellbeing. These initiatives services, and clients receive coordinated care. enhance primary health access 2017/18 brought service growth and increased for people with complex and Prevention and access to Althea’s primary health services for often comorbid health needs Health Promotion: vulnerable populations. Through additional who may not have received Immunisation funding, Althea’s centre-based and existing health care for many years. outreach services have been expanded across Althea’s psychology 156 Flu ACT to include the following: services introduced an 97 Hep B Nurse, GP and counselling outreach to additional evidence- Oaks Estate based trauma treatment 54 Hep A for clients this year, Eye 32 Other Nurse in-reach to the Civic Needle and Movement Desensitization Syringe Program and Reprocessing (EMDR), GP in-reach to the Canberra Hospital Alcohol with positive results. 339 vaccines to and Drug Service Althea continues to 260 people Nurse, GP and counselling outreach to pride its self in providing % Ainslie Village non-judgemental, respectful 13 Althea has been invited to present at several and supportive health care and conferences regarding Hepatitis C treatment and psychological services to its outreach initiatives. many clients. increase in % total clients Additionally, through a partnership with Canberra Alliance for Advocacy and Harm 7 Minimisation (CAHMA), Naloxone training and increase in occasions of service
02 6132 4800 / [email protected] / directionshealth.com Clients Seen May
WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 12 May International Nurses Day and National Prevention of Prescription Medicine Dependence Week begins / 26 May National Sorry Day / 27 May Reconciliation Day / 31 May World No Tobacco Day Treatment and Support Services – ACT
The ACT Treatment and Support Service (TSS), Adult Mental Health Unit (AMHU) Canberra funded by ACT Health, offers clients at all Hospital, headspace and other Directions’ sites. stages of change a range of harm minimisation- We have also collaborated with Relationships based interventions, therapeutic treatment and Australia, Carers ACT, Employment Plus and Care supports. Financial Inc. to address the holistic needs of our clients. In the coming year, we look forward to Demand for TSS continues to grow and exceed increasing our outreach to include other housing current service capacity. In order to address 3172 estates and GP practices. this continued growth, TSS re-designed and
implemented a new model of care, including TSS continue to deliver a variety of groups at 2587 revised triage, intake and assessment processes, Woden and the AMC, including SMART, Mindful Group to offer a stepped care approach with a focus on Self Compassion, ADAPT (Alcohol and Drug attendance treatment matching. Awareness and harm Prevention Training), Clients 890 COMPASS (family support group), and a range Our new stepped model of care has resulted in Group 659 of Expressive Therapies Groups. This year, improved treatment matching and more timely Directions hosted its first Expressive Therapies brief interventions over the past 12 months. art exhibition to celebrate the works of our Despite increased demand, we have worked hard clients. There has been a significant increase in to stabilise wait times for assessment, counselling Comparison of 2016-17 group attendances over the past 12 months. and case management and have continued to & 2017-18 offer same day walk-in and crisis support. TSS also offers individual counselling for family members to assist them with their own self- TSS services are accessible to clients, with intake care and implement strategies that enable services provided at the Woden office, face to them to support the person they are Total New Clients face or over the phone, as well as in outreach concerned about. settings, such as the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC), Oaks Estate, Ainslie Village, 114 5 increase of 02 6132 4800 / [email protected] / directionshealth.com 15 % June By Sarah Richards
SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 3 Jun Mabo Day / 10 Jun Queen’s Birthday (Public Holiday) / 26 Jun International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking NSP – ACT
The Needle and Syringe Program (NSP), funded by ACT Health, exists to administration of Naloxone. Additionally, a CAHMA peer worker visits the improve health outcomes for people who inject drugs and reduce the Civic NSP weekly and a Hepatitis ACT worker visits monthly to provide spread of blood borne viruses in our community. The NSP information and education. provides free clean injecting equipment, harm minimisation Following consultation with clients, Directions introduced information, health assessments, blood borne virus UniSharp fits, a new product designed for and advice, referrals and health education and resources. by injecting drug users with additional harm Our primary NSPs are located in Civic and Phillip minimisation features. NSP clients now have a and as well as offering a comprehensive choice of three brands of injecting equipment, range of equipment, clients can access crisis ensuring their particular needs are met. Wheel support and case management services. Free filters continue to be well utilised, with their injecting equipment can also be obtained increase in client presentations at distribution increasing by 2%, contributing to from Hepatitis ACT and community health % a reduction in associated health risks. centres, or purchased through participating Phillip NSP 14 The NSP continues to offer clients free pharmacies and from vending machines. Overall increase in nutritious meals prepared by Arcadia House Overall, there was a 4% increase in client % clients accessing residents and sandwiches prepared by NSP presentations at primary NSPs this year. the NSP staff, as well as a variety of donations from Client presentations increased by 14% at 4 Oz Harvest. Personal hygiene products the Phillip NSP. Directions suspects the donated by charities ‘Pinch-A-Poo’ and relocation of a portion of ACT government Share the Dignity have also been gratefully housing from Civic to suburban areas resulted received by clients. in this change. We have been working with our NSP Advisory Civic NSP continues to offer free health checks, Group to provide early warnings when clients information and referrals for Hepatitis C treatments report unpredictable purity or dangerous substances through weekly outreach visits by the Althea Wellness and are currently exploring the potential for drug Centre practice nurse. checking services that would enable NSP clients to reduce their risk of overdose and other adverse outcomes. In the All NSP staff are trained by Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation coming year we intend to improve the range of equipment that can be and Advocacy (CAHMA) in the recognition of overdose symptoms and obtained after hours through vending machines.
02 6132 4800 / [email protected] / directionshealth.com July
MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 Jul Dry July begins / 7 Jul NAIDOC Week begins / 28 Jul World Hepatitis Day Arcadia House – ACT
All Arcadia House Programs are based on Initiatives Therapeutic Community principles. The A range of holistic initiatives complement programs are abstinence based, utilise cognitive Arcadia House CBT and skill based programs. behavioural therapy (CBT) approaches and include a focus on skills development, self-help Mindful Art Therapy is delivered to our clients and mutual support. fortnightly. This program aims to increase self- % awareness, emotion regulation and strengthen Arcadia House offers: resilience. 1-2 week non-medicated withdrawal Marymead has delivered “DRUMBEAT” to 66 Arcadia clients this year. Groups comprise of average reduction 12 week Transition Program comprising of 8 8-10 clients with 9 sessions in the program. 5 in mental health weeks residential and 4 weeks Day Program programs were delivered this year. symptoms 12 week Day Program Health Food Healthy Me continues to be Continuum of care support: prior to a positive feature of Arcadia’s programs, admission clients are supported to access teaching valuable living skills and providing an group sessions, case management and brief opportunity to ‘give back’ by preparing meals for interventions while on the waiting list. Exit NSP clients. planning provides a graduated transition back to the community including case management Outcomes and support for clients completing or exiting Arcadia House supports clients to make changes I would like to say a big thank Arcadia House programs. to their drug and alcohol use, physical and mental health, relationships, and overall quality you to the staff and peers at Staged Approach of life, including follow up support Arcadia House. It hasn’t always Both the Transition Program and Day Program so these improvements can be been easy, but it’s been worth it. are delivered with a 3 stage competency based sustained long term. When I first came here my life was approach, providing clients with clear guidelines totally unmanageable, but bit by for expected change and an overview of their achievements during each stage. bit I started putting my life back together. I leave here as a very strong young woman. 02 6132 4800 / [email protected] / directionshealth.com Female Client, aged 30 August Collage and Ink, Therapeutic Drawing Group, 2018
THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 5 Aug Bank Holiday (NSW Public Holiday) and Homelessness Week begins / 9 Aug International Week of the World’s Indigenous Peoples / 12 Aug International Youth Day / 31 Aug International Overdose Awareness Day Pathways Programs – Murrumbidgee & Southern Tablelands
The Pathways programs deliver community-based There is a strong focus on working with clients team provides regular visiting services to Tumut, treatment and support services based on harm with complex needs, including people referred Young, Cootamundra, Temora, Narrandera, and minimisation principles, offering early intervention, through the justice system. The program is now Leeton, and a number of other communities as intensive case management, counselling, group also providing AOD treatment and support required. services in headspace Goulburn, working closely work and support for family members. In the coming year we look forward to enhancing with several schools and providing in reach to service accessibility by increasing headspace Pathways Goulburn Region the mental health inpatient unit. AOD outreach services and developing more Pathways Goulburn Region was expanded in Pathways Murrumbidgee intensive group programs to meet local needs. 2017 to offer treatment and support services Pathways Murrumbidgee offers a diverse suite Pathways Murrumbidgee services are funded by to people impacted by all substances, while of programs including: NSW Health and Murrumbidgee PHN. continuing to provide existing specialist Specialist methamphetamine (ice) treatment methamphetamine (ice) services for people and support services for people of all ages, in of all ages in partnership with the Ted Noffs partnership with Ted Noffs Foundation; Foundation. The service is now funded by both Pre-admission and post-discharge support NSW Ministry of Health and Coordinare Primary services for people accessing rehabilitation Health Network (PHN). programs, in partnership with Calvary Drug Regular visiting services from Goulburn to and Alcohol Service; Client outcomes Yass, Crookwell, Braidwood and Gunning have A OD services for young people accessing increased. Visiting services are provided to other headspace Griffith; and areas within the region as required. Groups Work It Out, a program for young including SMART and MAPP (Methamphetamine, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people Awareness and harm Prevention Program) whose work or education is impacted by continue to be offered. Circle of Security AOD issues. severity of Parenting was introduced and its impact Pathways Murrumbidgee offices are located dependency evaluated this year, with good client outcomes. in Wagga Wagga and Griffith, and the psychological distress quality of life
02 6132 4800 / [email protected] / directionshealth.com September
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 9 Sept International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day / 10 Sept World Suicide Prevention Day / 12 Sept R U OK? Day Pathways Programs – Snowy and South Coast
Pathways Eurobodalla and Monaro are funded Pathways Monaro by Coordinare PHN, and offer alcohol and other Pathways Monaro became fully operational this drug treatment and support services, including year and provides visiting services to Jindabyne, % early intervention, intensive case management, Bombala, Delegate, Berridale and elsewhere in counselling and groups, for individuals and the region according to demand. 100 family members. of clients said they have chosen The service has been working closely with to make positive choices around Pathways Eurobodalla the local community, with harm minimisation their substance use since Pathways Eurobodalla’s main office is located in groups and information sessions delivered, and accessing Pathways Moruya, and the team provides regular services in supported an Alcoholics Anonymous group to be Batemans Bay and Narooma, and visits other areas reintroduced locally. within the Eurobodalla region as required. Regular The Pathways Eurobodalla and Monaro in-reach services are provided to Hope House services underwent formal evaluation this and Probation and Parole to increase access to year, examining their performance and client treatment for clients with complex needs. outcomes. Pathways Eurobodalla began delivering weekly In the coming year, we look forward to improvement in physical SMART groups in Narooma and ADAPT according health and wellbeing increasing services in the South Eastern NSW to demand in Moruya this year. We additionally region to include the Bega Valley. look forward to offering Circle of Security 113 % Parenting in the coming year. improvement in Directions’ Community Advisory Group was glad emotional and to welcome a member from the Eurobodalla psychological % 79 region to give regional input to Directions’ health and wellbeing management and Board. improvement in 45% overall quality of life 02 6132 4800 / [email protected] / directionshealth.com October
TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 Oct Oscober begins / 7 Oct Labour Day (public holiday) / 17 Oct International Day for the Education of Poverty Finance and ICT
The 2017-18 year has been one of bedding down operations following expansion in previous years into the surrounding WHERE OUR FUNDS GO NSW regions of the Murrumbidgee, Southern Tablelands and the South Coast. To facilitate communication between our increased number of staff across 10 % locations and with our clients more generally, we 69 PROGRAM & have been continually upgrading our communication EMPLOYMENT OFFICE RUNNING networks as well as introducing a new client information management system. We now have NSP several offices connected to our Woden hub over % EQUIPMENT % fixed and mobile NBN connections, reducing the 7 SUPPLY 13 need for onsite servers in remote locations. 6% ACCOMMODATION Revenue continues the trend of recent years growing RESERVE 3% FUNDING again by over $1M in 2017-18 with our funding income 2% FEES & SOURCES now surpassing the $6M mark. The expansion into NSW CHARGES % has also increased the share of non-ACT Health based 16 funding sources to 48% of revenue. The diversification of our COORDINARE PHN revenue sources serves to protect the organisation from relying ACT HEALTH on any one particular funder to continue operations. Externally generated revenue increased 32% and permitted us to accumulate a % modest surplus of $254,262, further growing our reserves to ensure that the 11 % organisation remains on a sustainable footing for the coming years. NSW HEALTH 52 With our regional offices operating for a full year, our overhead costs have increased by 10% CAPITAL HEALTH PHN 1% representing the investment in head office personnel and travel to support these MURRUMBIDGEE PHN 5% offices, however our expenses ratios remain similar 6% OTHER to previous years. INCOME
02 6132 4800 / [email protected] / directionshealth.com November By Lynette Talbot
FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 13 Nov World Kindness Day / 19 Nov International Men’s Day Our People
Human Resources that fosters a positive team culture. Our staff Quality Our staff are located over 10 sites in NSW and the have access to training, professional supervision Directions is committed to continuous quality ACT and have grown to 79 this year. We strive to and well-being initiatives. We had an increased improvement throughout all programs, services support our passionate and dedicated staff by number of student placements this year, and activities, and is participating in three offering a safe and inclusive work environment, including staff undertaking undergraduate rigorous accreditation cycles. and masters level social work courses, post- graduate counselling qualifications, Certificate Directions primary health service, Althea IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs, medicine and Wellness Centre, was re-accredited against the law students. We strive to make this experience Royal Australian College of General Practice 79 valuable to both the student and the (RACGP) Standards for General Practices in July 71 Number of organisation, and some of these 2017. Directions achieved whole of organization staff members: students have gone on to become re-accreditation against Health and Community 55 2014-15 staff members. Services Standards conducted by Quality 48 2015-16 % Innovation Performance (QIP) in April 2018, Our new staff in the ACT and our with the next review not due until 2021. In the 2016-17 8 regional programs all benefit coming year Directions rehabilitation program, 2017-18 of Directions staff from having a comprehensive Arcadia House, will undergo accreditation identify as Aboriginal and/ induction into Directions against the Australasian Therapeutic or Torres Strait Islander services that ensures they feel Communities Association’s (ATCA) Standards. supported in their new positions and are able to experience our We have increased our efforts in relation to completion of outcome measures so we positive organisational culture can better assess the impact of our services. first-hand. This year validated outcome measures were Smoking ceremony, We have continued our focus on implemented across all therapeutic programs in Work It Out program professional development, providing the ACT and NSW. Directions has also developed launch in Wagga generous study leave and encouragement and piloted a holistic integrated assessment and Wagga for staff engaged in relevant formal outcomes framework in Eurobodalla and Monaro qualifications as well as numerous in-house Pathways services, with the aim of improving and external training activities and conference our understanding of our clients’ needs and attendance. outcomes, thus enhancing our practice.
02 6132 4800 / [email protected] / directionshealth.com December
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 Dec World Aids Day / 2 Dec International Day for the Abolition of Slavery / 10 Dec Human Rights Day / 18 Dec International Migrants Day / 25 Dec Christmas Day (Public Holiday) / 26 Dec Boxing Day (Public Holiday) Engaging Community
Community Advisory Group partners include Relationships Australia, Donations Directions Community Advisory Group (CAG) Financial Inc., Employment Plus, ACT Mental We would like to thank everyone who has is made up of committed past and current Health Consumer Network, Hepatitis ACT, generously donated their funds, goods, time and clients and family members who have accessed Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and skills to us this year – your support makes a big our services. This year we have expanded the Advocacy (CAHMA), St Vincent De Paul Society, difference to our clients. In particular we would mechanisms for consumer participation in Argyle Housing, Canberra Hospital Alcohol and like to thank Canberra Milk for their generosity service design and delivery, with members of Drug Service, Toora Women Inc., Oz Harvest, over many years, donating milk each week that our CAG invited to contribute to a variety of Orange Sky Laundry, Calvary Riverina Drug is much appreciated by our clients. We welcome organisational initiatives. CAG members have and Alcohol Service, Ted Noffs Foundation, donations and sponsorship opportunities from been engaged in training and delivery of peer- headspace Canberra, headspace Griffith, Grand the corporate sector and encourage those driven services initiatives, including preparation Pacific Health, Legal Aid Goulburn, Alcohol and interested to contact us directly. for the delivery of peer-led SMART Recovery Drug Service in the ACT and Mental Health and We are planning to launch a fundraising groups, and have on staff recruitment interview Drug and Alcohol Services in the Murrumbidgee campaign for a mobile health clinic to enable us panels. A CAG member co-presented with the and South Eastern NSW regions. to better service disadvantaged populations in CEO on theirs and the organisation’s experience the ACT. of consumer participation at the NADA Local Drug Action Team (LDAT) ACT Connect Conference in June 2018. – Prevention through Participation If you wish to get involved by contributing to Directions and supporting our clients, many In May this year we received funding to establish In February this year Directions launched an options are available. Please visit our website for initiative to increase representation from regional an LDAT in the ACT. We will work with our details at www.directionshealth.com clients on our CAG, to enhance advocacy and gain partners - Public Advocate of the ACT/Children a valuable regional perspective, and welcomed & Young People Commission, Belconnen our first representative from the Eurobodalla. In Community Services, Variety Every Chance to 2018/19, CAG members will be participating in a Play, YWCA and CAHMA, to support young project to assist Directions clients and those of people 8 – 14 years from disadvantaged families other AOD services to understand their options to participate in community sports, arts and and manage their My Health Record. other activities. Our aim is to enhance protective factors, build resilience and community Our Partners connections that can have a positive impact and We are glad to work closely with a wide range assist in preventing the misuse of alcohol or of service partners in the ACT and NSW. Our other drugs in the future.
02 6132 4800 / [email protected] / directionshealth.com Contact us Level 6, Cosmopolitan Centre Woden Square, ACT 2606 p 02 6132 4800 f 02 6132 4801 directionshealth.com