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                    Drug harm reduction in our city

                    The City of Melbourne recognises the importance of addressing issues relating to both legal and illicit drug use.

                    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​We are working to minimise the social, economic and health-related harms associated with problem alcohol and other drug use for individuals and the wider community.

                    Our Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, planning framework and local laws address priorities related to alcohol and other drugs in our city. 

                    We value the support and commitment of services providers and community groups in carrying out this strategy.

                    Harm reduction

                    Harm reduction is the key principal underlying our work. Most people consume some sort of drugs, either legal, prescription or illegal ones. Although much of the drug use in our communities doesn’t cause problems, some drug use has extremely negative effects on individuals, families and the community.

                    Harm reduction treats problematic drug use as a public health issue, rather than a criminal justice one. It aims to maximise the health and wellbeing of individuals, their families and the community.​​​​

                    What should I do if someone appears to be experiencing difficulties?

                    1. Firstly, be mindful of your personal safety. Ask the person if they need help and, if you can assist, do so. If appropriate you could offer water, shade, a seat or ask if you can call their support person or worker on their behalf.

                      If you need further assistance or are unsure of what to do and need guidance, contact the services listed below. 
                    2. If the person appears to be seriously unwell, such as at risk of a drug overdose, or experiencing a severe mental health episode or other serious medical condition, call an ambulance on 000 immediately.

                      Don’t delay calling an ambulance because you think the person might get into trouble – it’s critical they receive immediate medical assistance. Ambulance officers are not obligated to involve the police. Stay with the person until the ambulance arrives.

                      Signs of overdose from opioids (such as heroin) may include shallow or no breathing, pale complexion, purple lips and the person may be unresponsive. It might be difficult to determine what drug a person has taken, so deal with what you see, not what you think might have happened. 
                    3. If you are unsure about what substance someone may have taken, or not sure of what to do, please call one of the services listed below.​

                    Which services should I call if someone is placing me or others at risk?

                    ​If at any time you are concerned for your personal safety, including if a person is agitated or unwell and is at risk of harming themselves or others, call 000 and ask for police attendance. 

                    General safety tip: Be aware of your surroundings by scanning the environment and taking appropriate action if you are concerned about your safety. For example, cross the road or go into a shop. ​

                    Who should I call if I suspect drug dealing or other crimes?

                    Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online​. ​

                    What if someone is worried about their own drug and/or alcohol use, or that of someone they know?

                    ​Call DirectLine (24-hour counselling and referral service) on 1800 888 236.​

                    Who can I contact if someone needs help with their drug use or related health issues?

                    ​If you are concerned about the welfare of a person who may be at serious risk of harm due to their drug use or other factors, call one of the following services (you may wish to add these numbers to your contacts in your mobile phone).

                    Cohealth 

                    Located at 53 Victoria Street Melbourne, Cohealth’s City Street Health program is a comprehensive street-based outreach service staffed by health workers such as a GP and nurses. They cover most of the city. 

                    Services include drug and alcohol outreach support, homeless allied health, drug and alcohol counselling, homeless mental health, and homeless support services. 

                    Monday to Friday: 9am to 10pm
                    Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 6pm
                    Phone: 0438 359 273 

                    The Living Room 

                    Located at 7-9 Hosier Lane Melbourne, The Living Room is a primary health service that provides free healthcare and support to improve the physical, mental and social wellbeing of people who are, or are at risk of, experiencing homelessness. They have GPs, nurses and alcohol and other drug counsellors onsite.

                    Phone: 9945 2100 or 1800 440 188 

                    After-Hours Outreach Service (AHOS) including a Mental Health Nurse, Registered Nurse, and Assertive Outreach Worker 

                    Monday to Friday: 7pm to 11pm

                    Salvation Army Project 614 

                    Located at 69 Bourke Street, Salvation Army Project 614 supports and works with people who are experiencing homelessness, are at risk of becoming homeless, or may be experiencing mental health issues, alcohol and other drug addictions, and social poverty. Project 614 provides services and programs to help people create pathways out of their current circumstances.

                    Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 7am to 9am,
                    Friday and Saturday nights: 10pm to 3am
                    Phone: 9653 3299​

                    Services for young people

                    ​Drum Youth Services 

                    With headquarters at 100 Drummond Street Carlton, The Drum delivers youth services in Carlton, Kensington, North Melbourne, the CBD, Richmond and Collingwood. Funded by the City of Melbourne, The Drum provides education and employment pathways and helps young people strengthen their social connections and life skills. People aged 12 to 25 years can access services, support and programs for social connection, family life and employment pathways. 

                    Monday to Thursday: 4pm to 7pm
                    Phone: 9663 6733

                    Frontyard Youth Services

                    Located at 19 King Street Melbourne, Frontyard Youth Services is a specialist youth service that aims to support young people to meet their physical, emotional and social needs and to develop pathways out of homelessness. 

                    Monday to Friday: 9am to 8pm
                    Phone: 9977 0077 

                    Youth Support and Advocacy Service, Youth Drug and Alcohol Advice Telephone 

                    This telephone service provides expertise in substance misuse and treatment for Victorians aged 10 to 25 years. 

                    Call 1800 458 685 for free, confidential support.

                    Child Protection Services 

                    • If you are concerned about the welfare of a young person under the age of 18 years, you can contact any of the services listed. 
                    • If the young person is at serious risk of harm due to their drug use or other factors, contact Victoria Police by calling 000 or Child Protection Services on 1300 664 977.

                    The Zone phone 

                    A partnership between Youth Support and Advocacy Service, Drummond Street and Odyssey House Victoria, the Zone offers intersectional and whole-of-family alcohol and other drugs support to young people aged 12 to 25 years and their families across the North and West of Melbourne. 

                    Phone: 1800 161 327
                    Email: thezone@ysas.org.au

                    Information on naloxone

                    ​What is naloxone?

                    Naloxone hydrochloride, commonly known as ‘Narcan’ (brand names include Nyxoid and Prenoxad) is a drug that can temporarily reverse opioid overdose. Naloxone works by blocking opioid drugs, such as heroin and oxycodone, from attaching to opioid receptors in the brain.

                    How is naloxone used?

                    Naloxone is easy to use and instructions are included with the product. If you obtain naloxone from a pharmacy, the pharmacist can also provide information on how to administer it.

                    For information on how to use naloxone, visit How to administer naloxone.

                    For information on opioid safety, download:

                    For information about Take Home Naloxone, visit: 

                    Other alcohol and other drug​ services and contact details

                    ​Kids Helpline
                    24-hour service for children and young people.
                    Phone: freecall 1800 55 1800 or visit Kids Helpline.

                    LiverWELL (incorporating Hepatitis Victoria)
                    Hepatitis C information, support and referral services.
                    Phone: 1800 703 003 or visit LiverWELL.

                    Lifeline
                    24-hour Australia wide telephone counselling service.
                    Phone: 13 11 14 or visit Lifeline Australia.

                    Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre
                    Provides a wide range of treatment and support services to people affected by alcohol and drug use.
                    Phone: 03 8413 8413 or visit Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre.

                    Victorian Aboriginal Health Service
                    Provides free health services for Aboriginal People and Torres Straight Islanders.
                    Address: 186 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy
                    Phone: 03 9419 3000 or visit the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service.

                    Youth Support + Advocacy Service / Youth Drug and Alcohol Advice
                    Expertise in substance misuse and treatment for Victorians ages 10-25.
                    Phone: 1800 458 685 for free, confidential support or visit Y​SAS. ​

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