An innovative and much-needed drug and alcohol treatment program will run in Goonellabah for the first time commencing on 11 November for six weeks.
The CORE community outreach program allows people requiring alcohol and other drug rehabilitation to attend on a daily basis during school hours while continuing to live in the community, maintaining their social connections, roles and responsibilities.
The program will be held in Goonellabah between 9:30 am and 2:30 pm on week days only. Free transport from Lismore is available for participants.
The six-week intensive program is proving particularly popular with caregivers who cannot join a live-in program but who need more support than weekly counselling.
The CORE program is accepting applications now.
For a confidential assessment, phone 0477 016 030 or (02) 6687 1111.
Jane’s Story
Jane*, 51, dreams of the day she can be with her son for his birthday. Every day in recovery after completing The Buttery’s Core program, she is a step closer to her dream.
Jane had missed her son’s birthday because she was living in The Buttery’s Therapeutic Community.
“Seven years ago, I had a lot of good things in my life. I had a good job and a family,” she said.
But in the three years before her stay at The Buttery’s Therapeutic Community in 2015, Jane’s life spiralled out of control.
“I was drinking to the point I could no longer be functional. I became a morning drinker. I lost my job of 15 years which meant so much to me,” she said.
Last year Jane relapsed, but rather than going back to The Buttery’s residential program, Jane opted to complete The Buttery’s CORE program.
“At the start I felt like it didn’t matter how much I wanted to be sober – I had nothing if I didn’t have my son. But the CORE program was excellent. It went very deep. It brought to the surface the stuff I didn’t want to explore.
“The staff, especially (Program Manager) Tanya (Magnay), brought so much compassion. There was also so much love and compassion from the group. We shared all the shameful things we had done. We saw more similarities than differences.
“CORE was great because it focuses on addiction. It was challenging. It was exhausting, but the staff went the extra mile for us.
“Many of the participants had children at home with them. Before CORE, some were in a bit of denial about the affect their addiction was having on their children. I think my story – having my child taken away – helped others. I told them I didn’t want what happened to me to happen to them.
“I think CORE is a great option for those with young children. A long-term residential rehab – having no contact with your child for a long period of time -doesn’t work for everyone.”
“I hope to spend more time with my son. Last week I gave him his birthday present in person. I’m not going to push it. But I have everything to work for,” Jane said.
For CORE enquiries, phone 0477 016 030 or email [email protected].
Funding for CORE is provided through the North Coast Primary Health Network by the Australian Government Department of Health under the Commonwealth Non Government Organisations Treatment Grant Program.
*Not real name.
For enquiries contact Tanya Magnay on [email protected] or 0477 016 030.
Learn more via HealthPathways:
For a list of all localised pathways see:
Mid and North Coast Localised Pathways
Username: manchealth
Password: conn3ct3d
For further information about HealthPathways email [email protected] or [email protected].