A local response reflecting community realities<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Salt Care developed the AOD Wellbeing Program after seeing an increase in people presenting with AOD concerns while experiencing homelessness or unstable housing. Many had been released from custody without a clear pathway to treatment, leaving them vulnerable to relapse and re\u2011offending. Staff knew that without stable accommodation and consistent support, recovery is difficult to sustain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The program supports trauma-informed, person-centred, wraparound support with safe housing, structured therapeutic support, and practical help to reconnect with family, community, and services. The team focuses on stability first, daily routines, and trusted relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Salt Care builds on local strengths including existing housing, trusted community networks, and partnerships already in place. This keeps the service accessible and financially viable despite a small population base.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meeting people where they are<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Economic barriers remain one of the biggest challenges in rural AOD care. If someone can\u2019t afford fuel, loses access to a phone, or moves frequently between temporary accommodation sites, they often drop out of treatment altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The team provides weekly outreach to Safe Shelter Shoalhaven, temporary accommodation sites, Salt Assisted Housing, and local community housing. By showing up consistently in places where people already feel safe, staff build relationships early and reduce the pressure on individuals to navigate the system alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Salt Care works closely with GPs, justice services, housing providers, and Aboriginal organisations, ensuring people are not lost between services. For small and dispersed communities, this collaboration is key to service continuity and long-term viability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Evidence of impact<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Early results highlight its value with 35 clients supported and 430 episodes of care provided to date. Feedback has been consistently strong. People report increased confidence, improved emotional regulation, and stronger connections with staff and peers. Many describe the program as a turning point, providing stability at a time when their lives feel especially uncertain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n John\u2019s experience illustrates this. He first engaged with Salt Care through temporary accommodation. Initially quiet, he gradually engaged with staff and joined the Wellness AOD program. During his first group session, he disclosed childhood trauma, and staff provided support using a trauma-informed approach. He was linked with Salt Care\u2019s psychologist and committed to weekly sessions, showing gradual improvement. After six weeks of consistent engagement, he was offered a room in the AOD house, providing structure and stability. John now meets with the AOD coordinator every second day, demonstrating increased confidence, insight, and engagement with his recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why this matters for rural Australia<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Salt Care\u2019s work highlights what rural communities already know: people do better when services reflect their realities. Flexible, relational, community led approaches are essential in places where distance and workforce shortages make traditional service delivery difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The AOD Innovation Grants have enabled Salt Care to support a model that is practical and grounded. The insights emerging from this work will inform future commissioning aiming to ensure investment reaches the people who need it most.<\/p>\n \r\n From the far reaches of Cape York to the rugged beauty of Kangaroo Island, Angel Flight is proud to have Read more<\/a> <\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n At the Whyalla Hospital\u2019s foyer every weekday morning, greetings & conversation hums between customers and volunteers, at a booth located Read more<\/a> <\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n Tresna is \u00a075 years old and resides in Deniliquin, an idyllic country town (MM4) in southern New South Wales, nestled Read more<\/a> <\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n For many older people in rural Australia, staying connected, physically active, and mentally sharp can be challenging. Long distances, fewer Read more<\/a> <\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n ![\"Dr](\"https:\/\/ruralhealth.org.au\/partyline\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/91-angelflight-tb-300x300.jpg\")
\r\n\r\n <\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n \r\n Angel Flight: Bridging the distance for elderly Australians in the bush <\/a>\r\n\r\n ![\"Margaret](\"https:\/\/ruralhealth.org.au\/partyline\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/91-margaret-shambrook-tb-300x300.jpg\")
\r\n\r\n <\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n \r\n \u201cI Still Want to Keep Running\u201d: A rural life of purpose and persistence <\/a>\r\n\r\n ![\"Student](\"https:\/\/ruralhealth.org.au\/partyline\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/91-aged-care-tb-300x300.jpg\")
\r\n\r\n <\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n \r\n \u201cLive and Learn\u201d – Harnessing the teaching power of residents in aged care homes. <\/a>\r\n\r\n ![\"Senior](\"https:\/\/ruralhealth.org.au\/partyline\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/91-wellness2age-tb-300x300.jpg\")
\r\n\r\n <\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n \r\n Staying Strong, Staying Home: How one program is helping rural older Australians age well <\/a>\r\n\r\n