Source: Radio New Zealand
RNZ
The Salvation Army is launching a $1.5 million methamphetamine harm reduction programme in Motueka.
The three-year pilot will include clinical addiction programmes to help people to get clean and stay clean, along with an education campaign to raise awareness about the class-A drug.
Salvation Army service development lead Emma Hunter said families directly affected by methamphetamine would be offered tailored support.
The programme brought together clinical expertise, support and community partnership to help people break free from the drug and rebuild their lives, she said.
“People deserve support that fits their real lives. We offer a harm reduction approach to suit each individual or whānau and we work closely with local services, iwi and the community so the help people receive is connected and effective,” Hunter said.
The education campaign would raise awareness about methamphetamine, where it comes from, its effects and where to get help.
Ministry for Social Development regional commissioner Craig Churchill said methamphetamine affected many communities and Motueka was chosen because of its size and location.
It was small enough for the funding to make a difference and large enough to demonstrate the difference it could make, he said.
“Ultimately we hope to see a reduction in methamphetamine use and related harm in Motueka, a safer community, increased access to support services, greater awareness and prevention and improved inter-agency co-ordination in the town,” Churchill said.
The money is coming from the Proceeds of Crime Fund.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand