WATERLOO: The Factory Community Centre currently runs a program that is funded by the federal government under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. Beyond Walls Outreach helps to reduce anti-social behaviour on the streets, through educational and diversionary outreach activities in the local area, engaging with substance misusers. Pilot funding is coming to an end (in January 2013), and the vicious cycle threatens to start up again.
“It has taken years to establish a relationship with this target group and obtain the resources to deliver the service. It will be tragic if all this work was to come to an abrupt end in a time when we need more social support, not less,” said The Factory’s Michael Shreenan.
If new recurrent funding is not secured the positive relationships established will fall apart, and there will no longer be support staff available for those with complex needs who are often from chaotic backgrounds. In addition, the positive social activities will cease. The pilot project has proven to be a success and was originally designed for people who don’t normally engage with services. Over 18 months contact has been made with over 1000 individuals.
“Beyond Walls Outreach is a unique project and over time it has not only boosted social activities, it has aided the reduction of alcohol-related assault in the area and provided successful suicide and rehabilitation interventions,” Brian Parker, Chairman of the local Community Drug Action Team, said.
The project has successfully connected substance abusers to mainstream services, hosted a number of social and education-based activities, linked addicts to rehabilitation service, connected people to education and employment services and intervened with clients who were suicidal. There was also a situation where 30 per cent from a group attending a health screening activity were referred to specialist care due to liver problems, and they didn’t even know they were sick.
The Factory Community Centre’s pilot project has proven itself to be effective. “It’s disappointing that the state government partners have been unable to identify a way of renewing the project,” Mr Shreenan said.
