New clinic for female addicts
WOMEN battling drug and alcohol addictions could have access to a new Geelong-based clinic within the next 12 months.
Foundation 61 has secured land in Mount Duneed to build a multimillion-dollar rehabilitation facility for females.
The project has been in the pipeline for several years and Foundation 61 has been on the search for land since receiving $1.5 million from the Federal Government in 2016.
Once completed, the facility will provide eight beds for females, including facilities for children.
Program director Rob Lytzki said plans were now in front of Geelong council and he hoped the clinic could be open as early as June 2019.
Foundation 61 already operates a 15-bed clinic in Mount Duneed but it is restricted to men.
Mr Lytzki said a clinic designed for females in Geelong was long overdue.
“We’re always getting inquiries from women but we have to refer them on and away,” he said.
“Most of the women’s rehab services are way out near the (state) border, and a lot of them don’t have facilities for children.
“If we’re able to meet the needs of the women from Geelong — in Geelong — rather than going further afield, that means we’re able to keep them connected to local services and healthy relationships they may have with family members.”
Mr Lytzki said he expected the clinic to be life-changing once it is up and running.
“For the women, it will be an opportunity to restore dignity, life and hope,” he said.
“Hopefully, through the rehab process, the person will be able to manage their life without the need for addiction to be in play.”
The total cost of the project is expected to top $2 million, with Foundation 61 planning to seek community support to help it come to fruition.