Alcohol and Other Drugs

The Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Connected Recovery Program is a free and confidential service covering Taree, Forster and Gloucester. This program aims to address the impact of alcohol and other drugs (in particular, methamphetamines) on individuals, their families, and communities.

Services provided through the Program include:

• Telephone support
• Case management
• Counselling
• Care coordination
• Group programs
• Smart recovery groups

Who we help

Connected Recovery focuses on working alongside individuals aged 16+ years, who are experiencing drug and alcohol issues, substance misuse and mental illness.

For more information, view our flyer.

How to access this service

People can directly self-refer by calling us on (02) 6538 5900 or can be referred by other services including mental health, corrective services, child protection and general practitioners. You can also complete our online referral form.

For more information, please email AODconnectedrecovery@catholiccare.org.au.

Our Transitional Care Program provides twelve weeks of psychosocial support, specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are leaving corrections and residential rehab facilities. This program aims to assist these individuals to transition back into the community successfully.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are exiting from custodial or residential treatment facilities have some of the highest rates of relapse. The Transitional Care Program assists people by supporting them through the change and reintegration process.

This program provides pre-release and community-based drug and alcohol care coordination support to people in the program. The service engages participants in a respectful, culturally appropriate manner to assist them with their treatment at varying stages, whether it be abstaining from drugs and/or alcohol, managing mental health, or taking care of their wellbeing.

Who we help

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 18-65 years, who are exiting corrective services or a residential rehabilitation facility.

For more information, view our flyer.

How to access this service

Referrals can be made by Corrective or Residential Treatment Services by calling (2) 6539 5900 between the hours of 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Monday to Friday or completing the online referral form.

Our Clinical Care program provides support to adults with complex and enduring mental health and psychosocial needs for up to 12 months.

Our aim is to help individuals to better manage their health, so they can stay well and out of hospital.

A dedicated caseworker works with the participant and their GP to plan and access the right support for their wellbeing.

Our team works to assist individuals in identifying and addressing barriers to their recovery through practical support, referrals and connection to community.

The program works to:

• improve their mental health and wellbeing
• set goals and meet them
• develop a safety plan
• develop strategies to manage their mental health
• make contact with family and support people, when appropriate
• maintain and develop new links with services.

Eligibility for the program includes those:

• who have a clinically diagnosed mental illness
• whose social, personal or occupational functioning is significantly impacted
• who may also have psychosocial needs that are impacting your recovery such as substance use, homelessness, domestic violence or unemployment.

Those who are not eligible include:

• participants of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
• individuals receiving case management or treatment from Hunter New England Community Mental Health Services
• individuals who already are receiving comprehensive support from other services.

How to access this service

Referrals can be made by filling out this form and emailing clinicalcare@catholiccare.org.au

For more information, please contact our team on (02) 6539 5900 or email clinicalcare@catholiccare.org.au

This program supports males over the age of 18 who's experience of mental illness and/or Alcohol and Drug misuse has impacted their daily lives. 

Through socially based group activities and individual supports we will be able to assist with:

• social skills 
• day-to-day living skills 
• financial management and budgeting 
• finding and maintaining a home 
• maintaining physical wellbeing 
• connecting to community and other support services 

We will work with you to create a plan to assist in achieving your personal recovery goals including:

• reducing alcohol and other drugs misuse
• improving overall health and wellbeing 
• engaging in daily activities, relationships and connection to community 
• improve self-confidence and independence 
• access appropriate supports

For more information, email wallong@catholiccare.org.au or call our office on (02) 6539 5900.