b'Supporting local youthA new 20-bed youth residential rehabilitation facility in Traralgon is helping localyouth overcome alcohol and other drug (AOD) challenges.The purpose-built facility, which opened in AprilWe also have an outreach service where young 2022, provides a live-in residential setting wherepeople are allocated a dedicated case worker who young people aged 16 to 25 years are supportedprovides pre-admission support including home to address their alcohol and drug related issues. visits and regular check-ins on their wellbeing.Uniting Executive General Manager, Silvia AlbertiOne of the first young people to completesaid the centre is the result of a partnershipthe program was 19-year-old Alex *whobetween Uniting, the Gippsland and Eastarrived seeking treatment for both alcoholGippsland Aboriginal Co-operative and theand substance use.Victorian Government and would address a This program saved my life, says Alex.long-standing need in the region.We know there is a real need for alcohol andI tried multiple detox programs and hospital drug rehabilitation programs in Gippsland and weadmissions. Nothing worked. I really neededbelieve this facility will make a real difference anda place where the main purpose was helping help many young people to get their lives back onwith addiction.track, says Silvia. I was needing something long term, awayAs well as a live-in program with around- from home to gather and learn about myselfthe-clock clinical care, the treatment includesin a safe space.activities that support lasting behavioural changeThis is the longest time Alex has been substance including social and life skills development, relapsefree since he was 14 years old. He is now lookingprevention, individual counselling and group work. to support others going through the program What sets our program apart is on top of theand wants to work in the AOD treatment fieldthree months rehabilitation, we also provide a in the future.one-month transition where young people can* This is a true story about a real person. Some details such as names have been changed to respect the wishes of the person featured.return home and resume work or study whileThe photo accompanying this story is for illustrative purposes only.continuing to receive support. It is not a photo of the person featured in this story.18 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual Report 2021-2022'