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People who experience drug dependence and/or have lived experience of drug dependence in the ACT experience stigma, discrimination and ongoing impacts of criminalisation. This leads to a wide range of social and health inequities and requires an integrated approach in providing appropriate harm reduction services. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, the ongoing impacts of colonisation compound these health inequities. Therefore, the Indigenous community in the ACT need holistic and culturally sensitive harm reduction and health services that empower community members.CHN commissioned Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy (CAHMA) to deliver The Connection, a peer-based drug and alcohol service, run by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Connection focuses on the specific needs of members of the Indigenous community in the ACT. It aims to improve the health literacy of service users and to empower people to take agency of their health and wellbeing through the provision of culturally secure peer treatment support and case management services.
The Connection runs group workshops for Indigenous clients that focus on consultation with local community and helping to address identified needs. The Connection runs across all programs of CAHMA ensuring local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can access culturally safe and secure services within CAHMA and the health care sector. The Connection workers have accompanied clients to Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Centre to support and advocate for them at medical appointments and to assist them to attend the Wellbeing Group.
Over the last year, The Connection provided culturally appropriate and sensitive services to 109 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT, and 100% of service users participated in the ATODA Service User’ Satisfaction and Outcomes survey providing positive endorsement of the program.
Client story
Darcy* (not his real name) is an Aboriginal man in his 40s who has little connection with his family. He has chronic mental health conditions and, until recently, was a frequently using cannabis, which had a significant impact on his physical and mental health.
The Connection workers encouraged Darcy to set personal boundaries around his cannabis use e.g. limiting his use. However, after a few weeks, Darcy decided to cease smoking cannabis altogether and try to improve his physical health. At this time, he was suffering from chronic bronchitis and high blood pressure.
Since ceasing his use of cannabis, Darcy has made many lifestyle changes, including enrolling in online studies. The Connection facilitated his studies by helping him access a new laptop, software and improve his computer literacy. His lack of experience with academic work was an initial barrier in his studies, however he has an inquisitive mind, is an avid reader and loves to learn new skills with enthusiasm. He has worked hard and with determination, leading him to successfully completing his first semester.
Darcy no longer suffers from severe coughing fits, is eating more healthily and his blood pressure is in a normal range for a man his age. His mental health has improved considerably as well. He still suffers from bouts of social anxiety and mood swings, but overall, he is in a much happier place than he was a year ago.
