Anyone struggling with alcohol and drug use will be able to get help closer to home thanks to a new free service in Ballan.
The Ballarat Goldfields brief intervention program, run by UnitingCare at Ballan District Health and Care, is available for residents facing emerging or existing substance use problems.
The service offers up to five brief intervention counselling sessions to each client.
Ballan District Health and Care chief executive Wayne Weaire said the sessions provide psychological and information-based support and referrals could be made to other services for further treatment.
“We are very pleased to be able to offer this specialised service to the community as part of our holistic approach to health and wellbeing,” Mr Weaire said.
“It can be difficult to find help when you are facing problems with alcohol and other drug use or when someone else’s substance use is having a negative impact on your life.
“This new service is an excellent opportunity to start exploring change and it is available here in Ballan.”
Community members interested in the program can ask their doctor and other healthcare workers about a referral.
