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.
As part of the August Workers Group meeting, a World Hepatitis Day event was organised and co-hosted by Hepatitis ACT, ATODA and the Workers Group. It consisted of an interactive presentation by Hepatitis ACT on liver health and hepatitis followed by a group discussion.
Topics discussed included:
- Hepatitis in the ACT including types of Hepatitis and treatment
- Support provided by Hepatitis ACT including information and education; workplace training; health promotion; and prevention
- Support provided by other services and available resources
- Question and answer session for ATOD services
- Further information and detailed resources available through the Hepatitis ACT website
August 2018: Summary of Workers Group activities
Activities / discussions included:
- Toora reported on the anecdotal success of engagement with AMC detainees through running educational groups including short versions of modules from their day program
- Alcohol and Drug Service discussed the further development of the Nurse Practitioner role; as well as training activities including related to vicarious trauma training
- CAHMA provided an update on education and peer support groups and activities
- Karralika provided an update on programs including the new withdrawal services and on demand
- ATODA noted that the Australia wide roll out of the My Health Record (MHR) is opt out, and implications and considerations in relation to vulnerable people were discussed. The group discussed the possibility of the Capital Health Network attending a future WG meeting to provide further information and support for services.
- ATODA reported high worker enrolment rates in the Certificate IV in AOD within the Qualification Strategy framework including representation from all specialist ATOD services across the ACT; and discussed the rollout of the Service User Satisfaction and Outcomes Survey (SUSOS) schedule for late 2018, and priorities for the Draft ACT Drug Strategy Action Plan 2018-2021)
For further information about the ACT ATOD Workers Group contact ATODA on julie@atoda.org.au
- Thursday 1 February 2018
- Thursday 1 March 2018
- Thursday 5 April 2018
- Thursday 3 May 2018
- Thursday 7 June 2018
- Thursday 5 July 2018
- Thursday 2 August 2018
- Thursday 6 September 2018
- Thursday 4 October 2018
- Thursday 1 November 2018
- Thursday 6 December 2018
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