A NEW $220,000 service will provide face-to-face and online education and support for carers and families impacted by an individual’s use of alcohol or drugs.

The ACT government provided the funding to launch a 12-month pilot program to be delivered by Family Drug Support, who have been involved in the ACT for more than 20 years.

The new service is an initiative under the ACT Drug Strategy Action Plan 2022-2026, which aims to ensure a safe, healthy and resilient community by reducing drug and alcohol related harm.

In addition to Family Drug Support’s online resources and national helpline, the organisation will deliver workshops, supports groups and training to individuals and community groups in the ACT.

CEO of Family Drug Support, Tony Trimingham, said they will be able to reach more people with this funding.

“We currently receive more than 400 calls per year from ACT to our national support line,” said Trimingham.

“This announcement is so welcome and will enable us to establish a team in the ACT to deliver our services directly to families affected by alcohol and other drugs.”