The ACT ATOD Workers Group is involved in the development, implementation, coordination, evaluation and promotion of key sector support activities for the ATOD sector in the ACT. The group identifies and seeks to respond to a range of issues relevant to frontline workers. The group continues to function as an essential component of the ACT ATOD sector governance and acts as a key advisory structure to ATODA.
The group implemented a workplan of diverse activities over the last 12 months with secretariat support provided by ATODA. Some priorities included:
- Informing ATODA’s capacity building and policy activities;
- Coordinating the implementation of the ACT ATOD Workforce Profile;
- Driving the identification of priorities related to increasing methamphetamine related harms in the ACT;
- Appointing and supporting a group member to participate on the ATODA Board.
The ACT ATOD Workers Group met on 4 May 2017, and are progressing work across a range of areas. If you would like to get involved, please review the information below and liaise with the Workers Group representative from your agency.
Activities / discussions included:
- Discussing the Sobering Up Shelter attendance and special opening hours for the Groovin’ the Moo festival
- Providing an update on Toora Women Inc. programs including new group sessions to start at the AMC and information sessions at the Withdrawal Unit
- Reporting on the new client management system to be rolled out at Karralika and on additional support now available for detainees exiting the AMC who need additional support but are not accessing residential AOD treatment
- Reporting on the various activities and events Hepatitis ACT attended including a training session with AIDS Action Council ACT and information sessions they provided at the Gungahlin festival and engagement with communities
- Providing an update on CAHMA’s preparation for the move to the new premises and health promotion project
- Discussing the ACT ATOD Services Online Directory update
- Promoting the Symposium: Promoting Safety and Prioritising Domestic and Family Violence in the ACT AOD Sector to be held on 24 May 2017 hosted by ATODA and update on the Safer Families pilot project http://www.atoda.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DFV_AOD_Project_Update_1.pdf
- Providing feedback on the Sobering Up Shelter Exit Pack Factsheets
- Promoting the study ‘A Comprehensive Needs Assessment – Evaluating Contemporary Needs for Community Hepatitis Services in the ACT’ that aims at identifying the information and support needs of people with hepatitis B and hepatitis C in the ACT
- Providing an update on training and events hosted by ATODA including the AOD Skill Set training and NGO Health Sector meeting and Drug Services Forum
- Discussing ATODA’s position paper on the trial of drug checking/pill testing in the ACT: Keeping Young Canberrans Safe http://www.atoda.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/ATODA_KeepingYoungCanberransSafe_Final-0320173.pdf
For further information about the ACT ATOD Workers Group contact ATODA on julie@atoda.org.au
- Thursday 2 February 2017
- Thursday 2 March 2017
- Thursday 6 April 2017
- Thursday 4 May 2017
- Thursday 1 June 2017
- Thursday 6 July 2017
- Thursday 3 August 2017
- Thursday 7 September 2017
- Thursday 5 October 2017
- Thursday 2 November 2017
- Thursday 7 December 2017
Please note that these meetings will be held from 12pm – 2pm.
The objectives of the Workers Group are to:
- Participate in the development, implementation, coordination, evaluation and promotion of key sector support activities including those identified in the ACT ATOD Strategy 2010 – 2014 (e.g. ACT Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Services Directory);
- Regularly identify and communicate a range of issues, including those experienced by clients, workers, and services and identify appropriate actions to address these;
- Actively inform and contribute to the work of ATODA, including representation on the ATODA Board of Management (e.g. policy submissions);
- Develop, monitor, implement regular workplans; and,
- Participate in evaluative and other reporting activities as identified.
The ACT ATOD Workers Group Terms of Reference outlines further details regarding the purpose, roles and membership of the group.
The ACT ATOD Workers Group Workplan outlines key activities of the Group.
Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT
(02) 6249 6358
info@atoda.org.au