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South West Community Alcohol and Drug Service
You don’t have to deal with the harmful effects of alcohol or drug use by yourself.
We’re here for anyone in WA’s South West who is, or may be, at risk from harmful alcohol or drug use.
At the South West Community Alcohol and Drug Service (SWCADS), we provide free, specialist support for individuals and families who want to move on from the distressing, sometimes devastating effects of alcohol and drug use. We offer advice, education, counselling and referrals to our government and community services partners, all designed to help you achieve your goals.
We work closely with a range of services including mental health services, medical and other health professionals, corrective services, other local service providers, local governments and local community groups.
Since our inception in 1998, we have identified gaps within existing community services and developed initiatives to meet those needs with funding provided by St John of God Health Care and the WA Government.
How to access our service
Our service is fully inclusive and welcomes all members of the community.
People can refer themselves directly or be referred by other community or government services, including their GP, mental health services, corrective services and the Department of Communities.
To make a referral to SWCADS, please complete this referral form and fax it to 08 9721 8375 or contact us.
Our Community Services Charter details client rights and responsibilities, and what you can expect when engaging with our services.
Advice and support for people caring for others
We understand that caring for people who are experiencing mental health issues can be overwhelming.
We’ve got some advice on how to care for yourself, how to seek professional help and additional information.
In collaboration with the WA Mental Health Commission and community stakeholders, SWCADS takes a lead role in assisting with the implementation and evaluation of evidence-based prevention strategies to reduce and prevent alcohol and other drug related harms at a local and regional level in the south west of Western Australia.
We assist communities to reduce the level of harmful alcohol and other drug use within their areas, and currently work in local government districts of Bunbury, Collie, Nannup and Manjimup.
We actively support partnerships between community and service providers to identify and address local issues, using evidence based primary prevention strategies and in line with the Western Australian Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Services Plan 2015–2025 and the National Drug Strategy 2017-2026.
For more information, contact our Prevention Coordinators:
- Tel: 08 9721 9256
- Email: [email protected]
SWCADS delivers the Suicide Prevention Coordination and on behalf of the Mental Health Commission of WA.
In partnership with other organisations and the community, we deliver suicide intervention, prevention and postvention support to improve the health outcomes for the people of the South West region. As part of this role, we organise and facilitate a South West Suicide Prevention Training Calendar for health professionals and the general community.
For more information contact us:
- Tel: 08 9721 9256
- Email: [email protected]
Useful links
For crisis support please contact:
- Emergency: 000
- Rural Link (after hours): 1800 552 002
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
- Crisis Care: 1800 199 008
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
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Programs
We provide a range of individual and group programs, targeting gaps in the community, including:
Providing a holistic approach to wellbeing and recognising cultural security, we support the local Aboriginal Men’s Group and work with South West Aboriginal Medical Services to provide better outcomes of care to individuals, their family and significant others.
Free assessment counselling, treatment and referral services are provided for individuals aged 14 years and over who are seeking support with alcohol and other drug problems.
The Service provides both Court Diversion and Diversion treatment and delivery. Court Diversion is delivered in Bunbury and Busselton Courts with Diversion Officers delivering Programs and attending court on relevant days.
Help and advice about drug use is provided to people who have been advised by police they are required to attend counselling or go to court.
Our diversion program assists people to address their drug use while they work through their legal issues.
A range of programs are offered and referrals can be made via the court or the community.
The Elevate Program is designed as a 3-session therapy/education program.
Elevate is unique in its approach and brings together aspects of storytelling, personal sharing and group unity towards a common goal of wellness.
The program is designed for clients over 18 years who have been referred by Adult Justice Services and is available in Bunbury and Busselton.
Youth assessment, counselling, treatment and support is provided in collaboration with Headspace Bunbury and Busselton.
Assessments, counselling, treatment, support and referrals for young people aged 14 and over are also offered at all our service sites.
Medication assisted treatment for opioid dependence is a combination of medication (methadone or buprenorphine for substitution treatment, or naltrexone for relapse prevention treatment) and psychosocial support.
Medication eliminates withdrawal, reduces cravings and blocks the euphoric effect of further opioid use.
Psychosocial support helps improve psychological wellbeing, social environment and quality of life.
Our assistance ranges from providing food and shelter to complex structured psychotherapy.
SWCADS have been a part of the PARTY program in Bunbury and Busselton for a number of years.
Within this program, trained counsellors provide up to date alcohol and other drugs education for year 10, 11 and 12 students from south west schools.
SMART Recovery is a free group program assisting any problematic behaviours including drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, food, shopping, internet and others.
Guided by trained peers and professionals, participants come to help themselves and help each other using a variety of cognitive behaviour therapy and motivational tools and techniques.
Locations
- Bunbury: Monday to Friday
- Busselton: Monday to Friday
- Outreach services throughout the South-West region
We also offer the option of telephone counselling to our clients, allowing them to receive the support they require via phone with one of our trusted clinicians from the comfort of their home or preferred private location.
Referrals
Please complete this referral form and fax it to 08 9721 8375 to refer a client.
Contact us
For more information please contact us.
- Tel: 08 9729 6700
- Fax: 08 9271 8375
- Email: [email protected]
- Office address: 109 Beach Road, Bunbury WA 6231
Resources
You can seek further information and assistance for drug and alcohol issues through:
In 2020, St John of God Social Outreach was awarded full accreditation against the QIC Health and Community Services Standards, with accreditation renewed in 2023, demonstrating our commitment to providing quality services that are best practice, driven by effective systems and processes that support our clients’ positive experience and achieving better outcomes for everyone we serve.
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