POLITICAL players are continuing the push for funding to make way for the first ever drug and alcohol crisis accommodation facility to be established in Tamworth.
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The facility, proposed by Challenge Community Services, depends on government funding to launch it into action – but Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said the drug problem is one that wouldn’t go away and the facility was a possible solution.
It is expected to provide 24-hour crisis accommodation to drug and alcohol-affected persons who are admitted via a voluntary basis or by those in authority.
Not only would these people be cared for, for a period up to three months, but Challenge has also said it would provide case workers to help reintegrate clients back into the community.
Mr Anderson said he has since written to federal minister for rural and regional health Fiona Nash to state Challenge’s case for the funding.
“I’ve already had a conversation with her earlier in the year highlighting the fact that we are the largest regional centre in the New England and North West region and we don’t have a detox rehab facility,” he said.
“We have to work on establishing those lines of communication, while these projects take time this is a proposal that I believe will make an immediate difference to the lives of those who use or are affected by ice.”
Mr Anderson said the drug problem in Tamworth was “ongoing” and he believed the centre was a chance to make a difference.
“These people who are genuinely seeking support do not want to return to drugs,” he said.
“We want to get them off the drugs and give them the opportunity to be provided support immediately with the accommodation, staff providing the drug and alcohol rehab services, clinicians, as well as counselling and case management coordination and we really need the funding for that.”
Challenge Community Services deputy CEO Stephen Doley told The Leader the organisation was continuing to examine funding options.
“Challenge has continued to work with governments and the local community to move this project forward,” he said.
“The support from the community has been overwhelming and a number of government departments have thrown their support behind the project. The community wants this project to happen however we need funding to move it forward.”