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Women who experience alcohol and other drug (AOD) dependence and/or have lived experience of AOD dependence in the ACT experience significant stigma, discrimination and barriers to accessing health care. This leads to a wide range of social and health inequities, therefore supporting women to address AOD dependence issues requires a person-centred approach. Peer based health promotion is a powerful method for empowering women holistically to make healthier choices by feeling more connected to community members who have lived experience.
The Toora Women AOD Service (and Day Program) is an evidence-based health program for women to help them learn the skills they need to live a full and meaningful life free from alcohol and other drugs dependence. It is an 8-week group program funded by the Australian Government’s PHN Program and ACT Health. Each client is allocated their own case coordinator to develop their individual treatment plan and to make sure they receive a full wrap-around service of supports. Clients are supported in an affirming, women-led community through harm minimisation strategies to better address the determinants behind their AOD dependencies and feel empowered to have improved mental health and holistic wellbeing.
The Toora AOD Service (and Day Program) provides a safe and respectful environment for women to build relationships with one another in order to learn from each other and explore personal issues that led to their AOD dependence. It allows women to challenge harmful behaviours; to trust and build on their strengths; develop new skills; and make positive choices for the future. Over the last year, Toora AOD Services supported 256 women experiencing AOD dependence, thereby representing the community’s need for this vital service.
Client story
Tina* (not her real name) is a professional woman who initially accessed Toora Women in 2021 for counselling for alcohol dependence. At the time, Tina experienced domestic violence. In early 2022, Tina engaged in a residential rehabilitation program at Arcadia House (Directions Health), however she found it difficult to be in a residential program with other male residents and self-discharged. Eventually, Tina relapsed and accessed the Canberra Hospital Withdrawal Unit again.
Tina re-engaged with counselling services at Toora Women for approximately 6 months before entering the Toora Women Day Program. The initial counselling support and transition into day program has provided Tina with consistent AOD support to remain abstinent from alcohol for 9 weeks – a far longer period in comparison to previously when Tina was solely engaging in counselling.
The Day Program was a suitable alternative option to a residential program for Tina. The regular 3 days of day program has provided education and routine for Tina to obtain a level of stability and confidence. The day program has provided peer interaction with other women which has significantly improved Tina’s sense of community connection.
Since Tina has engaged in Toora Day Program and counselling, she has obtained stability through abstinence from alcohol. She has been able to maintain a good routine and engage in other social activities such as going to the gym due to maintaining her sobriety.
Tina feels healthier and more confident and is activating some of the education learnt in the day program. Tina is becoming more assertive; setting boundaries with men who previously took advantage of her when drinking and no longer in an abusive relationship. Tina feels confident with moving forward and maintaining her sobriety. Tina has completed Day Program but will continue to engage with Toora Women’s other services, including SMART Recovery meetings.
