A not-for-profit charity founded by the Australian Medical Procedures Research Foundation Ltd.

Rehabilitation

Our patients go through several stages in recovery and their accommodation needs can change at each stage. In the first few days after starting treatment we strongly recommend that our clients stay at our Medical House where they can receive supervision during withdrawal. After that we move clients to our assessment houses and from there invite them to move to one of our rehab facilities or refer them to another rehabilitation program as appropriate. We believe providing these residential facilities helps prevent our clients slipping back into drug use.

Medical House

A short term safe environment. Twenty-four hour care and medical assistance is available to those in the acute stages of detoxification and recovery.

Assessment Houses

A stable environment for our clients who are considering longer term residential options. Allows them to be supervised, medicated where necessary and assessed for further rehabilitation. We have houses for men, women and mothers with young children.

Recovery Centre

The Fresh Start Recovery Centre is situated in Northam about 100km east of Perth.

Northam is a regional centre with a range of community health and social services. It has been earmarked as a WA ‘Supertown’ which means that it is a growing community.

 How do I travel there?

  • You will be brought by a staff member to the Rehabilitation Centre.
  • There is a train and bus service between Perth and Northam that residents can use later in their recovery.

 What is it like at the Rehabilitation Centre?

  • The centre is a large 3 story building with gardens, a poultry run and vegetable garden.
  • Each resident has his own air conditioned bedroom.
  • There is a common area for meals, a lounge room with TV and internet facilities.
  • Residents can use the gym, pool table, table tennis, darts, BBQ and outdoor area.
  • Staff are always ready to help you to settle in.

 What happens at the centre?

  • The rehabilitation centre is a therapeutic community run like a normal home.
  • It becomes your community for the period of your recovery.
  • You have time during the first few days to learn how the centre operates.
  • The day begins with group bible study and prayer, followed by a community meeting.
  • Excursions, walks, swimming, projects, counseling, teaching and community living are all part of the programme.
  • You are expected to help with normal household tasks.

 Can I take leave during my recovery?

  • Leave may be granted after the first 30 days (conditions apply).
  • Approved leave is normally over a weekend.
  • Staff will accompany you for town visits during the first 30 days.
  • 'Time out' for day visits may be granted with a 'buddy' after 30 days (conditions apply).

What do I need to bring?

  • You will need some clothes and toiletries (tooth brush, tooth paste, roll-on deodorant, safety razor, etc.) Items of a personal nature such as photos, books and magazines. No X rated music, incense or candles may be brought with you or used at the centre at any time.
  • Personal belongings may not advertise vulgar slogans, sex, alcohol or other drugs.
  • Do not bring R-rated, satanic, occult, violent or pornographic material to the centre.
  • We cannot guarantee the safety of your personal items.
  • You can arrange your own personal insurance for valuables eg jewelry, IPhone.
  • Mobile phones are allowed after a 30 day 'no contact' period.
  • You will be expected to give your phone to staff on arrival at Northam. It will be kept in a locked safe for 30 days and not charged during this time.
  • Your phone is returned if you have met the conditions of the Fresh Start Recovery Centre.

 Vehicles

  • You are not allowed to have your vehicle at the centre.
  • Please make arrangements to store your vehicle where you are a resident.

 Do I have to pay rent?

  • You will pay rent fortnightly.
  • Your rent will be deducted from Centrelink or your bank account by direct debit.
  • Fresh Start admin staff will arrange payments with you.

 What is provided?

  • Bed linen and pillows.
  • Laundry basket and laundry detergent.
  • 3 meals a day and snacks.
  • Access to a phone for important calls to Centrelink, Dept. of Justice, employment agencies and Fresh Start Clinic.
  • Your family can contact you on 9621 2691.

 How do I get my medication?

  • Medications and prescriptions (scripts) are given to the staff before coming to Northam.
  • Medications are ‘blister packed’ by the pharmacy in Northam.
  • Fresh Start staff are responsible for the administration of all medications.
  • All medication changes require a new script from your doctor.
  • The chemist requires for all medication before dispensing (COD).
  • Please arrange to pay for any new script to be made up by the Northam Pharmacy.
  • Fresh Start does not pay for your medication.

How do I pay for my treatment?

  • The Fresh Start clinic will arrange for you to sign a 'centre pay' form to direct debit your Centrelink or bank account each month.
  • The direct debit will continue until your account is paid, even after you leave the Centre.

 What are the house rules or boundaries?

  • Living in community means that respect is shown to each other at all times.
  • All aspects of the programme including those of a religious nature are considered mandatory.
  • You are required to attend an individual and group counseling session weekly.
  • Urine drug screens (UDS) and random breath tests (RBT) are mandatory.
  • Avoiding a UDS or RBT (including diluted urine) may lead to expulsion.
  •  Alcohol and other drugs are not to be brought to the centre, or consumed at any time.
  • Dealing in alcohol or other drugs in any form will not be tolerated and will usually result in instant dismissal.
  • Harassment or violence to staff, residents, volunteers and visitors will not be tolerated. This includes verbal, and physical encounters and may lead to expulsion.
  • Sexual harassment of staff, residents, volunteers or visitors may lead to expulsion.
  • No visitors are allowed in the bedrooms.
  • Weapons of any description are not permitted on the premises.
  • Malicious damage to property, stealing, any criminal activity and dishonesty may be cause for dismissal and reassessment of your recovery programme.

 What are the values of Fresh Start therapeutic community?

  • Respect, good attitude and co-operation.
  • Each member of the community is valued.
  • The community functions for each other including staff and visitors.
  • The therapeutic community balances compassion and discipline.
  • The community is open and transparent.

Do you want to live addiction free?

  • Come ready to participate and co-operate in all aspects of the programme.

 

Halfway Houses

After around 6 months in rehabilitation our clients are usually ready to move to one of our ‘half-way’ houses designed for people in the later stages of recovery to assist them in finding independent accommodation and sustainable employment. Alternatively, if they have access to stable homes, they are encouraged to move back home.