What is it?
The Melbourne Drug and Health Alliance is a local network of organisations committed to building the capacity and collaboration of drug and alcohol, community welfare, mental health and primary healthcare services.
The Alliance seeks to better identify and respond to the health and social needs of the local community in the inner north and west region of Melbourne.
Youth Projects receives funding from the Department of Health to facilitate improved linkages between local agencies, raise awareness and increase community understanding of drug and health related issues, and to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and sharing of information.
The aim
The Alliance aims to:
- Enhance and compliment existing Primary Health Services and Needle and Syringe Programs
- Improve access to drug treatment services
- Improve access to mental health services, training and information
- Facilitate greater service collaboration
- Advocate on behalf of the industry and communities serviced
The Alliance involves local community agencies including local councils, mental health services, criminal justice services, alcohol and other drug services, education providers, law enforcement, public and private hospitals and will aid services to coordinate more effectively to meet the objectives of the local municipal drug strategy and provide input into the region’s Primary Care Partnerships (PCP).
The Alliance conducts both Professional Network and Community Network Sessions alternating on the last Wednesday of every month.
Professional Network Sessions promote discussion and action on current issues within the drug and health sector, whilst the Community Network Sessions promote community development and deliver health promotion/education opportunities for local communities.
The Reference Group
The Alliance Reference Group, an un-incorporated cooperative of local agencies, meet to ensure the forum's activities enhance and contribute to the achievement of member organisation’s strategic goals and objectives, to drive the forum’s strategic direction and to advocate on behalf of the organisations and communities involved with the forum.
If you would like to be a part of the reference group, contact Luke O'Connor on 9945 2100 or 0425 779 749 or lukeo@youthprojects.org.au.
Topics
If you have any topics that you would like discussed at future Alliance forums, any requests for forum comment or if you wish to be added to our email distribution list or become a member of the Melbourne Drug and Health Alliance, contact Luke O'Connor on 9945 2100 or 0425 779 749 lukeo@youthprojects.org.au.
The Melbourne Drug and Health Alliance is facilitated by Youth Projects and funded by the Victorian Government, Department of Health.
