The Salvation Army's Recovery Services in Canberra are currently at full capacity and have had to implement significant changes in the way they are operating as a result of the current COVID-19 crisis, helping 36 people to tackle their alcohol, other drug and gambling issues whilst living safely onsite during the pandemic.
The ongoing need for our services comes as The Salvos prepare for the annual Red Shield Appeal weekend (May 23 and 24) which supports personal hardship relief services across the country.
"We provide a range of services and support to people struggling with drug and alcohol issues, their families and significant others whose lives have been affected by addiction, but we've had to adapt almost every aspect of our operations to meet social distancing measures and protect those who are living with us," says Captain Daniel Ross who operates the service with Captain Amanda Ross in Canberra.
Support usually offered includes group discussions, one-on-one sessions, alcohol and drug education, chapel services, work activity therapy and vocational training.
The centres are abstinence based, drug-free environments and the programs provide a holistic treatment service to achieve physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual well-being.
"Due to the pandemic, visitors are not currently allowed, but we're using technology to keep our participants connected with their loved ones. We've also modified meal times and room set-ups to meet social distancing rules and have implemented additional sanitisation measures," says Captain Amanda Ross.
"We've also moved sessions with external providers such as counsellors away from face-to-face and now use video link or telephone instead.
"We're proud that despite the COVID-19 challenges, we've stayed committed to running this vital service and have been able to continue to deliver lifesaving support, with minimal disruption for those under our care," she says.
Participants in the program have been responding well to the changes, as they were involved in the process of gradually shifting the way that services are delivered.
They have also been rallying together and supporting each other as a community. A focus of the program is communal living and recovery and since participants cannot see their families, they are encouraging each other through the recovery process.
"We're bracing ourselves for a huge surge in demand from the community for our support services in the coming months as the additional stress from COVID-19 isolation manifests itself," says Captain Daniel Ross.
"We know that isolation increases the risk of addiction and abuse in heavy drug users, so we expect even more people to contact us for help.
"Now, more than ever, we're relying on the generosity of Australians to support our annual Red Shield Appeal, so we can help even more people in need during these unprecedented times.
"For the first time in its 55-year history, our traditional door-knock is running online this year, due to COVID-19," he says.
To leave no one in need, please make a tax-deductible donation at salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58). The national target is $35 million by June 30.
Those in need of support as a result of their battle with drug, alcohol or gambling addiction can contact Captains Daniel and Amanda Ross at The Salvos' Canberra Recovery Services on (02) 02 6295 1256.
The Salvation Army's most recent annual report noted its social services provided more than 1 million sessions of care to Australians in need, helped 46,000 people experiencing homelessness, provided financial counselling to more than 65,000 and offered care to 13,000 people who were coping with family violence.*
"The Salvos have been around for 140 years, through two World Wars, the Depression as well as natural disasters, including our most recent unprecedented bushfires across Australia, supporting the most vulnerable on the ground every step of the way," says Captain Amanda Ross.
"COVID-19 has seen everyday Aussies face greater hardship than they have ever experienced before, impacting their physical, mental and financial health. We're here to help – and we're looking forward to the generous support of Australians through the Red Shield Appeal.
"We're also hoping to see the continued generous support of the ACT Government towards our life changing work and encourage it to dig even deeper this year in support of the Red Shield Appeal."
