Friday 22 August 2008

Since 1976, St Vincent De Paul Aged Care & Community Services (ACCS) Quin House has helped thousands of men overcome this scourge, by providing accommodation and drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs in a caring and understanding environment.

On Tuesday 19 August, the Beyond Quin program was launched, extending Quin House services beyond its walls and out into the community.

Almost 50,000 Victorians a year are treated for drug or alcohol related dependency.  

ACCS staff noted that nearly 80% of Quin House residents relapsed after leaving the house.  A program was needed to assist men to progress from Quin House and reintegrate with the community.

The Beyond Quin concept was conceived: offering counselling, nursing outreach and community development support to residents after leaving Quin House, and helping them to sustain a new lifestyle, and prevent a return to drugs and alcohol.

Early pilot programs of the Beyond Quin project saw relapse rates fall to just 10%.

New Federal Government funding from the Office of the Attorney General will now allow St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services to deliver this service to those who need it most.  The Government has contributed $734,030 over a three year period through the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Federal Minister for Home Affairs, Hon Bob Debus MP officially launched the Beyond Quin program on Tuesday, while the Victorian Minister for Housing, Hon Richard Wynne launched a $150,000 refurbishment of Quin House, allowing Quin House to care and support men well into the future.

Also present at the launch was St Vincent de Paul Society State President Jim Grealish, as well as former Quin House residents, Stephen Maloney and Denis Mitchell who, with continued support from Quin House, have turned their lives around.

[St Vincent de Paul Society]