Family Drug Support 2024 Annual Report

28 FDS collaboration with Narrabri LDAT: Strengthen Community & Keep them Safe program – July – October 2023 Family Drug Support partnered with High Schools, local services and respected local Elders across the Narrabri Shire delivering a series of workshops and a series culturally sensitive family support groups throughout the Narrabri Shire in regional north west NSW as lead agency of the Narrabri Local Drug Action Team between July and October 2023. FDS facilitated a series of Culturally sensitive Family Support Meeting Sessions held between July – October in partnership with PIUS Aboriginal Corporation and Winanga-li Aboriginal Child & Family Centre in Narrabri. Support Meeting responses saw at least 8 participants said they wanted the sessions to continue, the information was highly valuable and culturally sensitive and thanked the FDS for being approachable, willing to listen without judgement and being discreet in private discussions when they were approached. In October, Family Drug Support Founder & CEO Tony Trimingham, joined by James Lomas FDS Volunteer Manager & Cigdem Watson FDS Business Manager to deliver three separate Stepping Forward workshops to both Wee Waa High School and Narrabri High School students followed by a Stepping Forward Session for the Wee Waa community. The following day FDS presented the Support the Family – Improve the Outcome workshop to local services, LHDs, local Elders, education representatives and families impacted by a relative’s substance use. Tony shared his impactful story and drew on his experience over 26 years of supporting families across Australia to deal with substance use issues in a way that strengthens relationships and achieves positive outcomes. Kirren - Winanga-li Telisha Hilderson - PIUS Aboriginal Corporation