FDS Annual Report 2024/25

33 FDS Volunteer Workshop – Weekend… The annual volunteer training workshop is an opportunity for Family Drug Support volunteers and staff to: o Be provided with new up-to-date information relevant to their role, including presentations by professionals in the sector o Meet and network with other FDS volunteers and staff o Maintain and develop new skills This year was another great workshop for our staff and volunteers held in Western Sydney in May 2025 to coincide with National Volunteers Week. Volunteers were treated to an inspiring and educational weekend with guest speakers presenting on Co-occurring Mental Health and Substance use, engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities, the history of Family Drug Support and Harm Reduction, and Current Drug Trends. There were also skills updates including looking at scenarios involving grief, child safety and violence, system developments, and a review of feedback from families. The response from volunteers was very positive, and many reported increased confidence and awareness during shifts after the workshop. The comments from volunteers had a common thread, speaking to the power of being in a room with so many like-minded, empathic people, making great connections, meeting new people, and sharing stories. “This was a wonderful and powerful weekend. The essence of Tony and his legacy was clearly in the room.” James Lomas – Volunteer Manager