Drug Safety Services
Our Drug Safety Services encompass a broad range of programs (see below) and we aim to provide a quality, confidential and non-judgemental health service. Our emphasis is on reducing the harm associated with illicit drug use - to users themselves, their friends and families, and the whole community.
NYCH Drug Safety Services operate out of :
INNERSPACE
4 Johnston Street, Collingwood
INNERSPACE is the site of our Primary Needle & Syringe Program (NSP) and Primary Health Care service for people who inject drugs.
Through this service we are able to provide new injecting equipment, and facilities for safe disposal of used injecting equipment, peer education, nursing support, medical services (including pharmacotherapies), counselling and legal advice. INNERSPACE has facilities for cooking, showering, clothes washing and drying, or just having a cup of coffee. Other activities, at times, include art therapy, gardening, sport and recreation activities, and anger management.
Staff are available to conduct talks, workshops and training around drug related topics - such as Safe Disposal, Responding to Overdosing and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation - to any community groups.
| Contact: |
Chris Hardy, Manager (03) 9468 2800 |
Other Drug Safety Services include:
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Secondary Needle and Syringe Programs — provide similar services to a PNSP, but with a more limited range. Secondary Needle Exchanges are located in our Carlton, Collingwood and Fitzroy Centres, and they operate during each Centre's normal opening hours.
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NSP Outreach Service — this mobile needle and syringe program operates 365 days between 7.30pm and 11.15pm out of INNERSPACE. Deliveries can be made to the Inner North-Eastern suburbs including Carlton, Fitzroy, Collingwood, Clifton Hill, Kew, Hawthorn, North Melbourne, West Melbourne, Abbottsford and Richmond; but it does not include Melbourne City CBD.
Contact: 0418 179 814
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Disposals are the collection and disposal of injecting equipment, which has been placed in the Sharp Safes located throughout the municipality. It also includes regular 'sweeps' of parks and other public places where people may have disposed of syringes inappropriately.
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Disposal Hot Line — this is a 24 hour message bank, and anyone finding a discarded syringe can phone 9417 5125 so that it can be safely removed.
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ALERT Community Care Co-ordinator This program provides support and case management to frequent Emergency Department presenters who may be affected by homelessness, mental health, disability or drug and alcohol use. The program aims to work with clients that have complex needs to access appropriate services in the local community to provide ongoing care and support. St Vincent’s Hospital is the collaborator.
Contact: (03) 9468 2808 -
Yarra Drug and Health Forum is a local network of people committed to identifying and responding to the health and social needs of the community in Yarra. The Forum plays an active role in community development and advocacy around drug issues. Public meetings are held on the first Monday of each month and the Forum always welcomes anyone. See www.ydhf.org.au
Contact: Joe Morris
(03) 9468 2819 - For counselling, see Drug & Alcohol Counselling.