Stage 2
Following the 12-week residential component of treatment, clients are offered an open-ended period of aftercare, which provides a continuum of treatment.
This aligns with the principles of ‘through-care’, which is widely acknowledged as the best practice approach when working with those exiting custody. Although clients are referred into safe, supported accommodation they are especially vulnerable during the period immediately following residential treatment.
Being part of the ‘Glebe House Family’ allows a man to return ‘home’ at any time they need support. We have established an environment where alumni become role models and mentors for newer clients. Glebe House has always recognized the efficacy of sharing lived experience, with many service consumers volunteering as peer leaders and mentors.
Ongoing advice, referrals, advocacy, and counseling are available to outreach clients. Brokerage is offered to support men in establishing independent living arrangements. Food donations are also offered in collaboration with Oz Harvest who make a weekly food delivery to the House. Regular social events are held for the overall community.
The nexus of the outreach program is still the weekly peer support group on Tuesday nights, where ex-residents enjoy dinner with current clients, followed by a topic meeting. This therapeutic group attracts in excess of 20 men each week. Stage 2 group BBQs are held every 2nd Friday where men come together to discuss any concerns within the outreach community and to keep each other accountable.
Former clients have the opportunity to ‘give back’, sharing their experiences of living clean and sober; they become role models for those currently in residential treatment. Over several years a safe space has been created where men feel safe to be vulnerable and talk about their feelings. Clients often remark that this is the most powerful recovery meeting of their week. They are able to forge healthy relationships and offer mutual support in managing their lives, free from addiction.