Provider, parent & consumer advocacy groups

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Victorian Association Of Alcohol And Drug Agencies (VAADA)

VAADA was established in 1980 as a peak body representing alcohol and drug treatment agencies across Victoria. VAADA currently provides services to both service providers and the Department, including information exchange, service development, advocacy and education, publication of a regular newsletter, and the running of an annual residential summer school to enhance the skills and training of alcohol and drug workers.

Self Help Addictions Resource Centre (SHARC)

SHARC is a non-government community based organisation which aims to build and support mutual self-help and peer based approaches in the treatment and care of addictions. SHARC seeks to:

• Develop and provide high quality direct care services to improve health and well-being of those with addiction problems
  
  
• Provide continuing education for professionals in the field of addictions
  
  
• Disseminate new information about self-help in the field of addictions
  
  
• Educate the public to influence health policy regarding addiction problems
  
  
• Encourage and conduct research on mutual self-help approaches for the treatment and care of addictions
  
  

Increase appropriate service user involvement at all levels in the development, implementation and communication of public health and service delivery programs and research studies in the field of addiction

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VIVAIDS Victorian Drug User Group

VIVAIDS is a statewide membership based organisation of drug users. Membership is made up of current users, ex-users and people who agree with the groups aims and objectives. VIVAIDS provides peer education, information, referral services to drug users, facilitates working groups on specific issues and projects, publishes WHACK Magazine and runs a needle and syringe program. VIVAIDS can be contacted on 9381 2211, email: drugsafe@vicnet.net.au or on the Web: http://home.vicnet.net.au/~vivaids/vivaids.htm

Parent support groups

There are a number of support groups for the families and friends of drug users. These include:

• Banyule Community Health Service
  
  
• Mackillop Family Services
  
  
• Family and Friends Support Group (Salvation Army Eastcare)
  
  
• Parent Education, Information and Support
  
  
• Vietnamese Parenting Support Group
  
  
• Parents for Drug Information and Support

More information

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