Drug and alcohol services expanded in Merredin

• New drug and alcohol service for people in Merredin

• Bigger premises for the Wheatbelt Community Alcohol and Drug Service in Northam

West Australians with alcohol or other drug problems living in the Wheatbelt now have access to more treatment services, closer to where they live.

Mental Health Minister Helen Morton is in Northam today to officially open the new premises of the Wheatbelt Community Alcohol and Drug Service, and to announce that a new Merredin office had been established.

"We know that treatment works when it comes to helping people who are experiencing problems with alcohol and other drugs," Mrs Morton said.

"Having a dedicated office now available for people who live in and around Merredin, as well as bigger premises in Northam for the Wheatbelt Community Alcohol and Drug Service, should see more people accessing the treatment they need.

"Throughout WA we have a great network of community alcohol and drug services, and I am committed to seeing these strengthened and expanded to meet the demands of a growing population."

The Wheatbelt Community Alcohol and Drug Service is operated by Holyoake, with funding from the Drug and Alcohol Office.  The service provides free outpatient counselling, prevention, community development and police and court diversion services.

"The Wheatbelt Community Alcohol and Drug Service works closely with the local mental health service and the Department for Child Protection and Family Support, which is exactly the kind of on-the-ground collaboration we need for improved client outcomes," the Minister said.

"The new Merredin office operates from the same building as the mental health service, which means clients are having their alcohol, drug and mental health treatment needs met in one place."

       Fact File

• The Wheatbelt Community Alcohol and Drug Service provides regular outreach services to 27 towns including Moora, Brookton, Cunderdin, Merredin, Kellerberrin, York, Wongan Hills, Gingin and Toodyay

• The service received an additional $418,789 of recurrent funding, provided through the State Government's Component II process

• An open tender has been advertised for eight community alcohol and drug services in Perth and regional areas, including the Wheatbelt.  Successful service providers will be announced later in 2014

• From July to December 2013, the primary drugs of concern for clients in Northam were alcohol (40%); cannabis (34%); and amphetamines (15%)

Minister's office - 6552 6900