Overdose doesn’t discriminate, and neither does Nathan Farley.
On the frontline of Uniting’s Harm Reduction and Overdose Prevention team, Nathan supports people living with AOD dependency. Many of Nathan’s clients experience compounding challenges, such as housing instability, healthcare needs and financial difficulties. Without a fixed address or identification, they can miss out on essential services. Uniting’s assertive outreach approach ensures these clients can access timely support, wherever they are and whatever their circumstances.
“Our clients are people who’ve fallen through the cracks … people who get put into the too hard basket,” Nathan explains.
The program is rooted in harm reduction and guided by Uniting’s belief in the inherent dignity, essential worth and rights of every person.
Nathan works with clients to address the strong link between trauma and substance use, which affects more than 80% of the people he supports. He recognises that people turn to drugs for a variety of reasons, often to cope with past experiences or difficult circumstances.
Nathan works to challenge common misconceptions about overdose and substance use. While society often focuses on illicit drugs, the reality is that prescription medication is the largest factor in fatal overdoses.
Despite everything they’ve experienced, Nathan’s clients are remarkable. Their ability to cope, be generous with what little they have, and use humour as a way to get through challenges continually inspires him.
Nathan’s dedication reflects Uniting’s values in action, supporting clients with compassion and helping them build safety, stability and hope in their lives.
“After 7 years at Uniting, I still love coming in every day and am really motivated by the work. I’ve found my people at Uniting,” he says.
Learn more about harm reduction at Uniting.
