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MALE COMMUNITYWHOS was established in 1972 by a group of concerned ex-addicts, who had identified a way to help drug addicted members of the community in finding a better way of living. This humble beginning of a self help group has evolved into a recognised professional service today known as the We Help Ourselves Therapeutic Community. Our staff work within a strict professional code of ethics and have extensive experience in the field of drug addiction. The CommunityWe Help Ourselves men's community operates separately from other WHOS services, it's aim is to provide safe and secure environment where men who suffer from drug abuse and it's related problems can concentrate on their recovery. Groupwork and individual counselling is provided by experienced drug and alcohol workers who deal with the special needs of men. Our service is situated close to the city and to all the professional facilities that a city has to offer. We are ideally situated for our residents to make the transition back into the community and we can also offer 3/4 way housing if a longer stay is required. ActivitiesThe WHOS men's community is a three to six month program offering groupwork, counselling, support and education, stress management and skills development. Groupwork covers topics such as social and communication skills, assertiveness skills and self esteem building, living skills, self and group evaluation awareness, exiting client groups, relapse prevention and ex-residents groups. WHOS also provides HIV and other infectious disease education and adopts a harm Minimisation approach, should a drug free outcome not be chosen. Outreach services and a registered needle exchange are available and provided by We Help Ourselves. We provide multiple access to outside activities such as self help meetings, general health services, legal and welfare services, TAFE and other educational activities and various exercise programs e.g. yoga and tai chi. Weekends are a time for leisure activities and relaxation. What we expect from youWe expect an acknowledgement from you that there is a need for change and that drug use is no longer working for you. Detox arrangements will need to be made or negotiated with staff, prior to admission. We need three forms of identification for Centrelink purposes and our minimum age requirement is 18 years. If you have any court or legal business it needs to be deferred for the first six weeks of the program. We ask that you agree to abide by the community's rules and guidelines, in particular no drugs (includes alcohol), no violence (or threat of), no stealing, no sexual activity with another client. Visiting children are welcomed. Sleepovers will need to be negotiated due to limited space and available resources. If you have a special medical problem that needs individual medical services or supervision, please contact us to see whether we have the resources to meet your needs. What it costsWHOS is funded by the State Health Department for expenditure such as staff direct services, however this does not cover costs such as food and provisions, accommodation, travel to and from meetings, appointments and activities, laundry, medical supplies, prescriptions, official communications and postage, stress management classes, movies, videos, leisure activities and other community functions it is necessary to charge a small fee or ask for a significant proportion of your benefit entitlement for your first three months. After three months your focus is on leaving the community and you will only need to contribute for food and accommodation. A savings plan is available ensuring some financial security when leaving our program. |
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We Help Ourselves
