The Connection
Provides a peer based support and education services for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and their friends and family
Operating hours
Wait time
No or N/A (typically no waiting times)After hours support
YesDescription
The Connection aims to reduce the harms associated with alcohol and other drugs with a focus on illicit and/or injecting drug use. The Connection is a peer based service, run by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The service focuses on the needs of the Indigenous community in the ACT. The Connection aims to empower people to gain control of their health and wellbeing by providing culturally secure peer treatment support and case management services. Additionally, The Connection runs Indigenous groups focusing on consulting with local community and helping address identified needs.
The Connection runs across all programs of the Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy (CAHMA) ensuring local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can access culturally safe and secure services within CAHMA and the healthcare sector.
(See the CAHMA website or click on the Other Information tab for more details.)
Target group
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specificAge range eligibility
Under 1818-25 year old
26 +
Documentation
No referral required (i.e., can self-refer)Referral from GP
Medication/Intoxication exclusions
No exclusions, i.e. the a low threshold service able to see people whether they have used drugs or not, people can attend whilst on medication or going through withdrawal or while Opioid Management TherapyUse of drug testing
Drug testing not used or not applicableTreatment type
OutreachHarm reduction initiatives
Provides alcohol tobacco or other drug education sessions (e.g., harm reduction strategies, safer injecting information)Provide Naloxone and/or overdose prevention education
Provide peer interventions
Treatment duration
The program duration is variable, contact the service for more informationTreatment goal
Harm reductionDelivery mode
Drop in, no appointment requiredOutreach services available
Face to face support available
ACT and NSW residents
Accepts ACT residentsAccepts NSW residents
Cultural, diversity and vulnerable group capabilities
LGBTIQA+Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Domestic and Family Violence (DFV)
Homelessness
Disability access
Accessible liftsAccessible doorways
Phones permitted
YesSmoking permitted
YesSmoking cessation support available
NRT providedOther smoking cessation support provided
Fees
No feesAdditional program description
The Connection service works to support people to navigate both alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD) and social services. The Connection will support people through issues such as: probation and parole, Centerlink, housing, Child and Youth Protection Services, pharmacotherapy (methadone, suboxone, Buvidal), rehabilitation/detox, etc.
The Connection provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peer based support, advocacy and education. A peer based harm reduction model is adopted and the duration of support is one-off or ongoing based on clients needs. Although primarily focused on people who inject drugs, The Connection provides information and support on all types of drugs and drug use.
See the CAHMA website for a full list of activities that The Connection supports. The Connection can offer outreach to a number of services.
Additional program services or support
Hepatitis screening/treatment/vaccinations availableSTI screening/treatment/vaccinations available
Access to mental health screening/assessments/support available
Additional supports available, contact service for more information
Organisation website provides details and more information
Other program services or supports: - Provides support letters for people to access Housing ACT
Other program services or supports: - Provides support for people transitioning from the Alexander Maconochie Centre to community services
Other program services or supports: - Information is offered to family/carers
Other program services or supports: - Alcohol and Other Drug Indigenous Peer Support Workers
Are you from interstate?
The National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline automatically directs you to the Alcohol and Drug Information Service in your State or Territory
Learn more