Althea Wellness Centre

.....a place of healing

About the Centre
DIRECTIONS ACT has developed a primary health centre as part of its ongoing commitment for better health outcomes for people with alcohol and other drug issues. The Althea Wellness Centre is a small clinic which is based on holistic health principles and is situated within DIRECTIONS ACT at Woden.

Currently the clinic works in a partnership approach with other agencies and organisations to deliver excellence in health and allied health services, so that people are treated with respect and dignity while accessing health services. In the next 6 months further expansion of the clinic and services will occur and Althea will be able to offer a range of medical services.

In 2007 DIRECTIONS ACT conducted a survey in which 200 people responded favourably to the concept of a primary health centre with over 90% of clients stating that they would use the centre if it was established. The results of that survey were analysed and a number of organisations were approached to develop partnerships with DIRECTIONS ACT to provide services into the clinic.

Althea is a free or low cost service. For instance a small fee is charged for naturopathic services, to assist with the cost of the remedies.

DIRECTIONS ACT has formed the Althea Wellness Centre to provide clients with alcohol and drug issues access to mainstream health and allied health services, which they would not normally access for a variety of reasons. The Althea Wellness Centre also provides an opportunity to other organisations access to a clientele which they would not otherwise access.

DIRECTIONS ACT is careful to ensure that all clients are treated with respect, dignity and in a non-judgemental and confidential manner and will uphold these values in everyway possible. Althea Wellness Center is underpinned by the following beliefs.

We believe that good health care is a fundamental human right

We believe people are capable of making life changing decisions

We believe that crisis provides opportunity for growth

We believe in promoting respect and dignity for all

We believe that people have control of their lives

We believe people can overcome addiction

We believe in harm minimisation

Building Althea Wellness Centre
DIRECTIONS ACT identified the need to have a holistic health service, something that embraced our beliefs, promoted health care for people with alcohol and other drug issues and promoted respect and dignity for all. The building of Althea Wellness Centre (stage 1) was funded via seeding funding from both Commonwealth Government Department of Health & Ageing and the Ian Potter Foundation – we thank them both for their input.

Althea Wellness Centre has the support of ACT Health, Mental Health and the ACT Hepatitis C Council. We have also gained the support of a naturopath and maternal and child health nurse.

Stage 2 has been funded through DoHA and will consist of building a discreet entrance, employing medical staff and providing both primary and secondary care. It is envisaged that the outreach services continue alongside the primary and secondary clinic.

Client Group
DIRECTIONS ACT is funded to provide services to people with Alcohol and Other Drug issues. Clients for each clinic will be referred most often through the programs and services of DIRECTIONS ACT. DIRECTIONS ACT staff at any venue are able to assist referrals into Althea Wellness Centre.

The client group may be people with current or past alcohol or other drug issues, in active use, detoxification and withdrawal or recovery. Many of DIRECTIONS ACT clients have co-morbidity 60 – 70%, are financially disadvantaged and may have a variety of other social and life issues which may result in poor health care and not accessing health and allied health services.

Referrals in to the clinics
The essential criteria for access into any Clinic is that the person has alcohol and other drug issues. This is important as the clinic has been established and funded to provide services to this group of people, who may not necessarily access mainstream health care. Althea Wellness Centre is accessed through self referral or via a worker or case manager.

Althea Wellness Centre Clinics
The clinics are provided by a number of healthcare partners who provide their services to Althea free of charge. These clinics help people to access excellence in health care and allied health care services, in a trusted and respectful environment. At the time of writing there are 6 clinics and one more to be added in September. We are negotiating with a youth health service to offer services for youth 12 – 25 which we hope to have finalised before the end of this year.

Our Healthcare Partners
ACT Health Mental Health
ACT Hepatitis Resource Centre
Alcohol and Drug Program
Canberra Hospital Liver Clinic
Canberra Sexual Health

Appointments
Bookings are essential for appointments to Althea Wellness Centre as many of the clinics will be offered fortnightly for a few hours. We will ring you the day before your appointment, and if you can’t come to an appointment we ask that you contact us so we can offer your appointment to someone else.

Appointments call 6122 8000
Location:
DIRECTIONS ACT
1 Bradley Street
(old woden police station)
WODEN ACT 2606

The Liver Clinic conducts testing and clinical assistance for the treatment and management of hepatitis C. Even if you do not require treatment, testing is important to ensure that you maintain optimum health. Wednesday afternoons.[/b][/size]

Hep C Wellness Program is vital to maintaining your health. Learn how to support your wellbeing by incorporating simple changes innutrition, relaxation and exercise into your lifestyle. The program provides resources and individual guidance for people with hepatitis C. Thursday afternoons.[/b][/size]

Mother and Child Heath Clinic
A registered nurse is available to provide pregnant women and mothers with health care advice and referrals for all aspects of pregnancy support and post natal care.The nurse will provide you with health care advice and support to parents of infants and young children, with information on breastfeeding, healthy nutrition advice and development. Fathers are most welcome to attend either with their partners and/or children. Tuesday mornings.

Mental Health Clinic assists you to access the right services for you. It is often hard to navigate the mental health system and get the right help. We will help you with assessments and referrals into other services and programs to get the most out of life. Wednesday afternoons.

Mental Health Support provides you with face to face counselling and support for your mental health and wellbeing. A clinic which helps you develop strategies and helps you through access to other services and supports. Tuesday afternoons.

Naturopathic Healing Clinic
Our qualified herbalist works with people going through detoxification and in recovery, helping you deal with the physical and mental symptoms. Using herbal, flower and homeopathic remedies as a non-medicated approach, you will be assisted through those first weeks and months when relapse can be an issue. Thursday Morning.

Arcadia House clients are welcome to continue their detoxification and healing by continuing their care through this clinic. The cost of the clinic is $15 to cover the costs of the remedies.

Sexual Health Clinic
If you have had sex without a condom, or are otherwise worried about a sexual contact, a sexual health nurse is available to offer free sexual health screening and testing. No physical exam is required during the consultation. If you have symptoms the nurse will refer you to a doctor at Canberra Sexual Health Centre in Woden. Clients must be over 16 years old to attend the clinic. Tuesday Morning (starts September)[/b][/size]

For more information download the Althea Wellness Centre brochure [1] here [2]