This fact sheet contains information on Hep C including:

1. An Overview of Hep C
2. Common symptoms
3. How it's not transmitted
4. Myths
5. Pre and post test counselling
6. Treatment options
7. Support available
8. Health management
9. Women and Hep C

   The fact sheet was produced with the expertise and assistance of the ACT Hepatitis C Council.

   Hep C fact sheet
   

The Autumn 2008 edition of our newsletter is now available with articles on poly drug use, stories from Arcadia House and the Treatment Support Service, information on different drugs and their effects, why people use drugs and a list of Organisations than can assist people with Alcohol and Other Drug issues.
Download our Autumn Newsletter

The COMPASS Support Group offers families a supportive environment to discuss issues and learn strategies to manage alcohol and other drug issues.

The facilitators are experienced counsellors at DIRECTIONS ACT and COMPASS meets fortnightly 6pm – 8pm at the Woden Office.

COMPASS aims to help family members navigate through this difficult period, providing information, support and resources, assisting people to manage self care and wellbeing. For more information ring the Family Support Counsellor on 6122 8000.

The COMPASS groups for March & April are on the following dates:

1. 4th March
2. 18th March
3. 1st April
4. 15th April
5. 29th April

Building is due to begin for stage one of the Althea Wellness Centre with seed funding secured from the Ian Potter Foundation and Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing. Althea will provide services for people with alcohol and other drug issues who may not otherwise seek medical assistance. At present talks are continuing between several organisations and health providers to provide an in-reach service into Althea. It is hoped that Althea will be operational by the beginning of June 2008.

DIRECTIONS ACT is seeking further funding for stage 2 of the project to deliver more health services to people with alcohol and other drug issues.

The Party Safe initiative is a health promotion program which is offered through tertiary events such as ‘O Week’, Youth Week, Drug Action Week, and through health promotion and college education. Party safe booklets and packs are offered free tot eh community and our workers speak with people about a wide range of issues which include binge drinking, drug use, safe sex, and partying safely. For more information ring the Community Education Manager on 6122 8000.

DIRECTIONS ACT values training and professional development. Currently approximately half of DIRECTIONS ACT staff are training to meet the standard set by ACT Health, the rest of the staff have already achieved this standard, and most will complete the Diploma in Alcohol and Other Drugs by the end of the year.

Binge drinking affects many young people, their families and their safety. Binge drinking may lead to unsafe sex, unplanned pregnancy and the use of other drugs, such as ecstasy and amphetamines, which the young person may not necessarily take if they were sober. Young people who binge drink are more likely to experience harms such as assault and violence when they are under the influence of alcohol.

DIRECTIONS ACT is concerned about the harmful effects of binge drinking in young people and recommends the following:

1. Drink wisely and stay within the recommended alcohol limits
2. Eat a decent meal before drinking
3. Ensure that you drink water in between alcoholic drinks
4. Don’t drink and drive
5. Don’t leave your drinks unattended
6. Look after your mates
7. Don’t partake in ‘shouting for drinks’
8. Saying ‘no’ is absolutely okay

1. DIRECTIONS ACT employs a family support counsellor and has the COMPASS support group for families of people with drug and alcohol issues.
2. DIRECTIONS ACT participates in Youth Justice to counsel young people with drug and alcohol issues
3. Drug Action Week in June will target alcohol with a campaign titled ‘Alcohol is a drug too’

For more information on alcohol and binge drinking call 6122 8000 and ask for the Promotions and Project Manager.

DIRECTIONS ACT is at Summernats 3 – 6 January 2008. The Life Skills Team is staffing a stall right near the entrance to the event, which will have plenty of brochures, information, the new party safe packs and booklets and bottles of water for Summernats enthusiasts. If you are visiting Summernats come and say hello to the DIRECTIONS ACT staff, they will be delighted to see you!

The primary NSP at the City Health Building will be open on the Summernats weekend, both Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th January for limited hours between 10am and 2pm.

COMPASS an information and support group helping you to navigate through drug and alcohol issues in your family.

COMPASS currently is on a break for January and will resume on Tuesday 5th February from 6pm – 8pm at DIRECTIONS ACT Woden. New members are always welcome…. For more info ring 6122 8000 and speak to Bek or Belinda.

Our Summer edition of the newsletter is now available with lots of information about partying safely this festive season.

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