Adele House hits impressive target

Drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre Adele House, near Coffs Harbour has successfully treated 220 men since it opened its doors just over two years ago.

The PAYCE Foundation and the NSW Government funded the $10.6 million purpose-built facility.

Adele, in partnership with the Salvation Army, operates an accredited treatment program where the clients reside at the 40-bed facility for up to four months.

The PAYCE Foundation facility is unique, with the shortfall of all service delivery costs funded via its blueberry social enterprise, Adele Training Farm, totalling $700,000 per annum, while providing work skills training opportunities to all clients.

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said the recent Ice Inquiry outlined the desperate need for more services to treat men and women addicted to drugs.

“The Ice epidemic is ripping at the fabric of society across so many towns in NSW,” he said.

“The Adele House facility shows that when you have a purpose-built residential centre, backed-up by dedicated staff and an evidence-based program you can assist men beat addiction and return to their families and society.”

Meanwhile, the PAYCE Foundation is pressing ahead with planning for an $8 million women’s residential drug and alcohol centre.

It has committed $4 million to the shovel-ready project on a site just north of Coffs Harbour.

There is a critical shortage of beds for women in NSW, particularly on the Mid North Coast.

In 6 months to June 2022, The Salvation Army NSW received 452 enquiries from women requesting access to drug and alcohol treatment services.

Women have specific treatment needs and are more likely to be a primary carer for children, and they often have had a history of trauma, either as a child or adult.