For frontline workers and their clients

This page will be continually updated. Last update: 5 August 2020
For news and resources specific to managers and leaders, click here.
For members’ frequently asked questions, click here.

News

Update to COVID-19 screening questions for staff, visitors and clients

The Ministry of Health last night advised that the following question should be added to staff, client and visitor COVID-19 screening:

Have you travelled to Melbourne in the last 14 days?

If yes:

For staff: assess the person for symptoms and exclude from clinical areas for a period of 14 days from the date they returned from Melbourne. They should be advised to get tested for COVID-19 should even the mildest of symptoms arise. Given the risk is presently very low, should the absence of the staff member from clinical duties in any way compromise clinical care, please assess the risk accordingly and put a local management plan in place.
For clients/visitors: ensure that questioning focusses on the mildest of symptoms but at this stage there is no instruction to exclude if the person is completely asymptomatic.

Stay up to date on guidance about testing or contact your contract manager.New!

It is essential that AOD services maintain infection control protocols, including COVID-19 screening and testing. Make sure you know local testing clinics and how you can support your clients to access them. Learn more.

Reporting Minimum Data Set: Data entry during COVID-19
Download the flowchart [PDF]
Watch the video

World hepatitis day webinar

Dual pandemics – what will COVID-19 mean for hepatitis C elimination?
28 July 2020
12:30pm – 2:00pm

Facilitated by health reporter Dr Norman Swan, this event brings together affected communities, doctors, scientists, health and community workers, researchers and the public to discuss the immense challenges COVID-19 brings to hepatitis C elimination and the health of people who use drugs, and to discuss strategies to ensure Australia stays on track to become one of the first countries in the world to eliminate hepatitis C.

The webinar will be held on World Hepatitis Day, and is a collaboration between AIVL, Hepatitis Australia, APSAD, and UNSW Sydney’s premier research institutes the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre and the Kirby Institute.

Subscribe to Frontline to keep up-to-date with AOD-related webinars. See the latest. To subscribe, email Sharon Lee.

Alcohol and other drugs treatment guidelines for working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Recorded webinar to launch NADA's new resource

Cultivating capability
Recorded webinar to launch NADA's new resource

Managing comorbidity: Tips and tricks for adapting practice in a changing environment
Recorded webinar with Logan Harvey, Clinical Psychologist with the Matilda Centre, Sydney University

Adapting counselling practices to telehealth
Recorded webinar series, a collaboration between St Vincent’s Hospital, NADA and NCCRED

Engaging with clients causing domestic and family violence harm during the COVID-19 pandemic
Recorded webinar with Rodney Vlais

Adapting Practice: shifting therapeutic support online
Mental Health Professionals Network recorded webinar plus other resources

COVID-19 infection control training
Australian Government Department of Health eLearning module

Subscribe to Frontline to be linked to the best AOD-related resources. See the latest, focused on telehealth. To subscribe, email Sharon Lee.

Health and wellbeing

The health and wellbeing of the non government AOD workforce, their clients and the greater community is of utmost importance to the staff, here at NADA.

As coronavirus cases rise across Australia, so too are feelings of stress and anxiety. In times like these, we need practical evidence based information and resources on ways to take care of ourselves, our clients and our community.

While there is a lot of uncertainty in the world right now, one this is for sure—we are here for you. The team at NADA have compiled the select list of information and resources below to help you, your clients and communities stay healthy, safe and connected during these challenging times. If there’s anything further we can do to support you, don’t hesitate to reach out by calling or emailing staff.

Resources

Adapting to change
Yasmin Iese and Vi Ngyun from DAMEC talk about adapting their service during COVID-19 and supporting their clients holistically.

Watch the complete series of Well Beings
NADA is excited to release the final COVID-19 episodes of Well Beings,our short-animation series with practical, science backed tips and tricks to reduce stress and enhance health and wellbeing. Watch them all!

Coping with stress and uncertainty during COVID-19
NADA developed this eLearning course to help AOD workers cope with stress and uncertainty during COVID-19. It explores the factors that make coping difficult and outlines a variety of helpful tips and strategies to support you to look after yourself during these challenging times.

Non government AOD workers

COVID-19 news and advice:
Department of Health
NSW Health
Health Direct
World Health Organization

Worker wellbeing:
NADA
Australian Psychological Society
Black Dog Institute
Orygen

Free online meditation for health care professionals:
Headspace
Ten Percent Happier

Non government AOD clients
NUAA harm reduction resources and considerations for people accessing Opioid Treatment Programs
AHMRC resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Turning Point client engagement and withdrawal support resources
Insight coping and self-care resources

Online support:
SMART Recovery
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Turning Point Counselling Online
Hello Sunday Morning Daybreak Program
Drinks Meter app
S-Check app

Telephone support:
Alcohol & Drug Information Service (ADIS) 1800 250 015
Drug & Alcohol Specialist Advisory Service 02 9361 8006 (Syd) 1800 023 687 (NSW)
Family Drug Support 1300 368 186
Stimulant Treatment Line 02 9361 8088 (Syd) 1800 101 188 (NSW)
Opioid Treatment Line 1800 642 428

Financial and legal support:
Department of Social Services
Centrelink
Justice Connect
Factsheet: financial and other supports [PDF]

Crisis support:
Lifeline 13 11 14
Mental Health Access Line 1800 011 511
1800RESPECT 1800 737 732
QLife 1800 184 527
MensLine 1300 78 99 78