View the flyer for all further information.

The training will be held from 12 – 28 March 2013. Applications are accepted until 18th February. There is a limited number of places and all applicants will be interviewed prior to final confirmation of enrolement.

Click here to view the flyer with all further information.

Please, pass this information on to anyone that might benefit from this training.

The group meeting days have changed to Tuesday. The new flyer with all further information is available at http://www.apsuonline.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Flyer-final.pdf.  The second page of the flyer contains the meetings schedule.

Please, pass this information on to anyone that might benefit from this support group.

We are  happy to announce that The Peer Model Manual is now available for download at our Publications page.

The manual gathers 3 training modules developed through years of APSU’s experience in training people who use AOD services:

-          Peer Helper Training

-          Experts by Experience

-          Speaker Bureau

Each module addresses a specific way in which consumers can be involved in the sector. Peer Helper Training focuses on peer support, Experts by Experience prepares people for effective consumer participation, and Speaker Bureau regards providing adequate support to people who choose to share their stories in public events.

APSU and the various participants at our training over the years witness that the Peer Model training has an extremely beneficial effect in people’s journey of recovery, whatever their personal definition of recovery. Some immediate training effects are increase in self-confidence and feeling of empowerment, with many participants undertaking further education after the training. Such effects bring a much more positive life experience to people who struggle with drug addiction, with or without mental health issues.

The Peer Model Manual is a result of successful collaboration between APSU and the Improved Services Initiative at SHARC. By sharing this manual with the sector we hope to enable other organisations to use our training modules, in part or entirely, in order to extend benefits of our training across the sector.

If you are a user of Drug and Alcohol services and have been diagnosed with a dual diagnosis (ie: a drug dependency and depression or other mental health issue) The Eastern Regional  Dual Diagnosis Advisory Council is requesting your help.

It has been acknowledged that people who know the system and use the services are best equipped to explain any problems there may be in the system. This is called ‘consumer participation’ and is a fundamental cornerstone of making services better equipped to assist their clients. If you have ever been to a chemist (for example) and thought to yourself that they could be doing things better when dealing with you, you now have the opportunity to give your opinions and assist in making the health system a better place for you and other consumers like you. The Southern Metropolitan Services Council will be made up of other consumers like you with the purpose being to assist the generalist health worker to better perform their services for people like you. Please contact APSU on if you are interested in joining. The commitment is for 12 months and involves free training and payment for your time. This is your opportunity to give your opinions and expert advice on how things could be improved in your area.

Click here to contact us if you are interested.