$2.7m continues local alcohol and drug service

Member for Geraldton Ian Blayney MLA has today announced that WACHS Mental Health has been awarded more than $2 million over the next five years to continue operating the Midwest Community Alcohol and Drug Service, with offices in Geraldton and Carnarvon, and outreach to many other communities. 

WACHS Mental Health has offered alcohol and drug services in the local community for 15 years. 

Mr Blayney said the funding that ensures treatment and support for people battling alcohol and other drug problems will continue locally until 2020. 

This funding has been announced alongside a further seven five-year contracts for Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS) which have been awarded to service providers across WA.

 As a funding package the eight new contracts comprise $60 million over the next five years.

 “We know people are battling problems with alcohol and other drugs throughout the State, and people can now continue to get help close to where they live, which can be a vital point of difference between someone seeking help or not,” Mr Blayney said.

 With the contract in place, the Midwest service – along with others throughout WA - will be known as Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS).

 “Most people come to our treatment services for problems with alcohol, so the new name makes it clear that these services are here to help people with alcohol as well as illicit drug problems,” Mr Blayney said.

CADS services operate in four metropolitan Perth corridors, in addition to seven services in the Midwest,Wheatbelt, South West, Great Southern, Kimberley, Pilbara and Goldfields.

 The 11 CADS services combine to provide alcohol and drug services across 27 offices in different communities.

 The services provide free out-patient treatment, referrals, counselling, education and support to adults, young people and families.

 The Metropolitan-based services operate as integrated services and are delivered through an innovative partnership between the State Government’s Next Step service and specific non-government service provider partners.  The integrated services provide medical, counselling and support services from a single site.