Established in 1998, YSAS is an accredited community service organisation providing a range of innovative and client-centred services to vulnerable young people aged 10 – 25 years who are affected by issues such as social disconnection, drug and alcohol use and mental health problems. Operating across metropolitan and regional Victoria our work includes direct client care, health promotion, public policy advocacy, research, education and training, community development and prevention. The YSAS Community Residential Withdrawal Unit at Fitzroy is designed to provide young people with an opportunity to withdraw from substances, as well as provide respite from chaotic drug use and its related problems. Young people receive treatment and care within a supervised, drug free environment.

The Fitzroy residential withdrawal program opened its doors in August 2010 and again in March 2011 exclusively for same sex attracted and gender questioning young people. Whilst continuing to provide respite from chaotic and problematic substance use, as well as clinical supported withdrawal, the program was modified to cater to the needs of young GLBTQI people. This consisted of delivering education to young people on their rights, how to access appropriate support services and how to access peer support programs.

The program created experiences aimed at improving self esteem and resilience, and providing assistance and guidance aimed at improving the connectedness of young people to community. Young people had a big say in what activities were scheduled and how the program was conducted. Eleven young people participated in the GLBTQI residential withdrawal program, ranging in age from 16-21 years. The young people provided feedback that they felt safer in the unit to be themselves and that, whilst having their AOD issues meant they also got useful information on GLBTQI services.

The culmination of enriching outings, exposure to queer support services, interactions with elders in the community and the consistency, support and non-judgement of staff fired up new constituencies of resilience, along with strong inroads to improved self esteem.

If you know someone who would benefit from this program please contact Lou Buchan at the Fitzroy Residential Withdrawal Unit on (03) 9415 9996 to complete a referral.