Harm Reduction Victoria is a community based, not-for-profit organisation. Our membership, staff and supporters include current and former people who use drugs. An Authentic Voice Of & For Victorians Who Use Drugs HARM REDUCTION VICTORIA PEER LED HARM REDUCTION: EDUCATION. ADVOCACY. OUTREACH. ADVICE. SUPPORT. INFORMATION. TRAINING. Some of HRVic's Projects & Programs All of HRVic's projects, programs, training, events and happenings are peer led- meaning that they are all led by people with living and lived experience of substance use and whatever that project involves ie. stigma or opioid dependance treatment or BBV testing/treatment or overdose. This is what makes all that HRVic does unique from other orgs/services that may provide a similar service. #nothingaboutuswithoutus PAMS- Pharmacotherapy Advocacy Mediation & Support A phone only service for people on pharmacotherapy (opioid dependancy treatment (ODT) who need assistance or mediation to navigate and/or remain on the program within Victoria. DanceWIze P2P Festival & Event care services On site roving & outreach Peer Led harm reduction training for event service providers & workers Health Promotion & Education Blood Borne Virus Overdose-Recognise & Respond Naloxone Administration Stigma & Discrimination VIEW ALL PROGRAMS Latest Substance News & VIC Alerts News Drug Alert-May 1 2025 Metonitazene may be being sold as ketamine/heroin News .07. 2024 VIC DRUG ALERT News 03.2024 VIC DRUG ALERT Drug Alerts DRUG ALERT- 01.2024 White powder mis-sold as Cocaine-contains synthetic opioid ‘metonitazene’ News COMMUNITY CAUTION 07.2023-Cocaine News DRUG ALERT Dec 31-2022 Drug Alerts AUS DRUG ALERT NOV 2022 Drug Alerts Ketamine Alert -NSW/Canberra/Vic News VIC DRUG ALERT JUNE 2022 News DRUG ALERT- FAKE XANAX Lived & Living Experience of drug u The Inquest into the death of Ronnie Nelson Began This Week.... Lived & Living Experience of drug u February 24 is Family Drug Support Day Events Resources HRVic's harm reduction and safer using resources available for you: *Substance Information *Naloxone *Overdose Response *BBV Prevention & Treatment Order Print On Demand or Download .pdfs Find Here Harm Reduction Victoria acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as the original and continued Custodians of these beautiful, unceded Lands and Waters that nourish and inspire us - where we live and work. We pay our respects to the Culture and to Elders - past and present. GET UP. STAND UP. SHOW UP. HRVic is an equal opportunity employer and service provider and is a proud supporter and ally of all communities- and recognise that people who use drugs come from all cultures, all ethnicities, all genders, all economic 'classes' and all mental and physical abilities. “Dance fused us, magical and cleansing. We were all in a swirl of color and light. It was like a rainbow,” said Baker. “A rainbow. That’s the moment when I knew exactly what kind of flag I would make.” Gilbert Baker worked tirelessly to ensure that the rainbow flag would become a universally recognised, global emblem of the LGBTQIA+ community and its proud legacy. The original 1978 flag initially had a total of eight stripes, each one symbolising an aspect of the LGBTQIA+ movement. The rainbow flag became synonymous with the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community and our struggles. These included pink for sex, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, turquoise for magic and art, indigo for serenity, and violet for spirit. This iconic symbol and its evolution have become an intrinsic part of LGBTQIA+ identity, culture, politics and society.

Inner City The Inner City covers North Melbourne, Carlton, Collingwood, Richmond, East Melbourne, West Melbourne and South Melbourne. This list consists of the clinic names and their locations. If you click on their address you will open the google maps page for that location. To book at any of these locations, you will still need to call 1800 675 398 or through the online booking system (you need an email address to sign up) CoHealth Melbourne Town Hall 90-130 Swanston St, Melbourne Open Monday to Friday, 10:15am to 4:30pm. Walk-ins are available for: people experiencing homelessness people with English literacy limitations refugees international students If you don’t have a Medicare card or ID, you can still get the vaccine. North Richmond Community Health (NRCH) Community Room North Richmond Community Health 23 Lennox St, North Richmond 3121 Please click here to book an appointment online or call 9418 9800. C ohealth Centre West Melbourne 98 Abbotsford Street, West Melbourne Medical Hub @ RMIT RMIT University, Building 8, Level 3 368-374 Swanston St, Melbourne You must have a current Medicare Card to receive a COVID-19 vaccination here. C ohealth centre Collingwood 365 Hoddle Street, Collingwood Livingroom: COVID19 Vaccine MIHS VAN Phone: 9662 4488 for appointment Max 20 registrations in a day (Some capacity for drop-in on the day if some registrations do not arrive) FIND A PHARMACY INNER CITY

Regional Victoria Regional Victoria covers everywhere else- from Geelong to Ballarat to Bendigo to Gippsland to the mountains. This list consists of the clinic names and their locations. If you click on their address you will open the google maps page for that location. To book at any of these locations, you will still need to call 1800 675 398 or through the online booking system (you need an email address to sign up) unless it states otherwise. GEELONG Barwon Health Community Vaccination Hub 2-30 North Shore Road, Norlane 3214 (old Ford factory). Parking available on-site and easy access to bus stops and public transport. Book here Walk-ins accepted for AstraZeneca, although you are encouraged to book via the links above. Walk-ins are not available for Pfizer. If you walk in, you should be prepared to wait. Walk-ins are only accepted from 8.30am to 3.30pm each day. COBRAM Cobram NCN Health 1 O'Dwyer Ave, Cobram VIC Open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 8.30am - 4:30pm Open Wednesday 8.30am-8pm Closed public holidays Use the online booking system or call 1800 675 398 for availability. Walk ins are not accepted at this vaccination centre. HORSHAM Horsham Community Clinic 20 McLachlan St, Horsham VIC Open Monday to Friday 9.30am-4pm Closed public holidays Use the online booking system or call 1800 675 398 for availability. Walk ins are not accepted at this vaccination centre. SHEPPARTON Shepparton Showgrounds - McIntosh Centre Corner of Thompson Street and High Street, Shepparton VIC Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9am-4.30pm Open Tuesday 9am-8pm Open public holidays Walk ins are accepted at this vaccination centre. CASTLEMAINE Castlemaine Health 142 Cornish St, Castlemaine, VIC 3450 Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am-12:45pm and 1:30pm-2:30pm. Closed public holidays. Use the online booking system or call 1800 675 398 for availability. Walk ins are not accepted at this vaccination centre CORRYONG Corryong Vaccination Hub 20 Kiell Street, Corryong VIC Open Tuesday and Wednedsay 9am-4pm Use the online booking system or call 1800 675 398 for availability. Walk ins are not accepted at this vaccination centre. GIPPSLAND Sale - Gippsland Regional Sports Complex 116 Cobains Road, Sale VIC Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:45am-3:30pm Open Thursday 15th July and Thursday 5th August 3pm-9pm) Closed public holidays Use the online booking system or call 1800 675 398 for availability. Walk ins are not accepted at this vaccination centre. SEYMOUR Seymour Health 1 Bretonneux Street, Seymour VIC Open Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm Use the online booking system or call 1800 675 398 for availability. Walk ins are not accepted at this vaccination centre. FIND A PHARMACY REGIONAL VICTORIA

PAMS HISTORY The Long & Short of it...... The Short...... Since its beginnings in 2000, PAMS has evolved on a number of fronts. The service was originally established to help express consumer-related complaints and grievances, but has moved on to the negotiation and solving of these issues. This development was driven by service users, most of who are less interested in making a complaint than having their problem actually solved, usually within a short space of time. Other developments since the service first began include: the number of cases dealt with by PAMS has increased annually the name of the service has changed from MACS (Methadone Advocacy and Complaints Service) to PAMS the method of data collection and analysis has been computerised the service has become more widely known across the drug treatment sector the service has become increasingly professional. From small beginnings, PAMS has grown into a established service that plays a vital role within the Victorian opiate pharmacotherapy system. The Long..... The Pharmacotherapy, Advocacy, Mediation and Support’ (PAMS) Service was conceived by a small group of methadone consumers who used to meet regularly at the office of VIVAIDS (the Victorian Drug User Organisation) in the mid to late 1990s. A number of people in this group had experienced a range of problems with their methadone program they were not able to address effectively on their own. Further still, the group members felt there was no avenue through which they could get these issues addressed in a timely and effective manner. As a result, VIVAIDS undertook some qualitative, action based research to investigate the nature of these pharmacotherapy consumer concerns. This report ( ‘pale blue report’ by Kirsty and Nicola) is available upon request from pams@hrvic.org.au . In the year 2000, Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre was funded by the Commonwealth Government to run a number of trials of ‘new’ pharmacotherapies, including buprenorphine (mono formulation), slow release oral morphine and leva alpha acetyl methanol (LAAM). These trials were undertaken as part of the ‘National Evaluation of Pharmacotherapy for Opioid Dependence’ (NEPOD). Turning Point then agreed to fund VIVAIDS to pilot a telephone service for the pharmacotherapy consumer group to address the need for any of the following: Information and support Resolution of complaints and grievances Advocacy Mediation Referral Although the service was funded by Turning Point, it was available to any pharmacotherapy consumer in Victoria. The service focussed on the resolution of pharmacotherapy consumer related complaints and grievances and was called the ‘Methadone Advocacy and Complaints-resolution Service’ (MACS) and located at the VIVAIDS office in Carlton. MACS was promoted to the methadone consumer group at pharmacies, GP clinics, community health services, NSPs, welfare services, community legal centres and housing agencies. MACS initially operated from a mobile number, it was run by one staff member (who coordinated the service) and was available from 10AM to 6PM, Monday to Friday. A steering group was established to provide advice and strategic direction for MACS. Members of the steering group included: A GP (experienced pharmacotherapy prescriber), A pharmacist (experienced in the dispensing of methadone), A consumer representative (on a methadone program), The coordinator of MACS, A representative from Turning Point (clinical services), The manager of VIVAIDS Representatives from other relevant alcohol and drug services. In keeping with the other VIVAIDS programs and projects, MACS maintained a strong focus on peer support and representation. The methadone consumer group had access to a peer support worker (from MACS/VIVAIDS), GPs had access to another GP prescriber and pharmacists had access to a pharmacist (pharmacotherapy dispenser) through MACS. The GPs and pharmacists who provided support to their peers involved in a MACS case were available on an ‘on call’ basis. VIVAIDS chose to operate MACS in this way because peers have credibility amongst their peer group. It was also because MACS was new and unknown to GPs and pharmacists and the best way to promote it was again, through the respective professions (peer groups). In practice, this resulted in MACS operating in the following way: A methadone consumer contacted MACS because he felt that his GP (prescriber) did not understand his need for more than one methadone TAD per week. The consumer maintained that he had just been offered part-time work in a family company; nobody in his family knew he was on the program and he said he could not get to his pharmacy during working hours. The consumer said that if he disclosed to his family that he was on the program, any offer of work would be withdrawn. The MACS worker would discuss the issue with the consumer and try to work out a possible solution. The consumer said he would require a minimum of 3 TADs per week in order to work for his family. The MACS worker established that the current dosing point was the only pharmacy with a vacancy in the area. The MACS worker would ensure that permission was obtained from the consumer to contact their GP. The MACS worker would then contact the GP prescriber who provides peer support to other GPs involved in any MACS ‘case’ (MACS GP). This GP then contacts the consumer’s prescriber and discusses the issue. The MACS GP then calls the MACS worker and a course of action is agreed upon. For example, a compromise in this scenario might be that the consumer can have a total for 3 TADs per week, but not for 3 days in a row. The MACS worker then puts to possible solution to the consumer and the MACS GP suggests the same solution to the consumer’s GP prescriber. If all parties agree, no further negotiation is required, if not then both the MACS worker and the MACS GP may go through the same process again until an agreement has been negotiated on behalf of the consumer and his service provider. Theoretically, this was an equitable, unique and supportive way to operate the service. However, due to the need to depend on the availability of the MACS GP (also a current prescriber with his/her own case load) and the MACS Pharmacist (also running his/her own pharmacy) and to resolve the cases quickly, (often so a consumer could dose within 24 hours), it simply became impractical. As the number of cases dealt with by the service rapidly increased, there was simply not enough time to utilise the services of the MACS GP and Pharmacist. Over time MACS gradually became known to GPs, Pharmacists and the methadone consumer group. After running the pilot for 12 months, (funded by Turning Point), VIVAIDS had collected enough data to indicate that MACS was a useful and effective service. VIVAIDS took the data to the Victorian Department of Health, (Drugs Policy and Services) and they agreed to fund the service. The Victorian Department of Health (DoH) have continued to fund the service to this day. After buprenorphine was approved by the TGA and registered on the PBS, meaning it became available as a treatment for opioid dependence in Victoria, MACS changed its name to the ‘Pharmacotherapy Advocacy and Complaints-resolution Service’ (PACS). However, PACS had a problem in as the name included the word ‘complaint’. Unfortunately, this resulted in GPs and Pharmacists feeling that “somebody had complained” (about them). This left providers feeling ‘on the back foot’ and defensive before any conversation had taken place. PACS was also compromised by the fact that it had no powers of enforcement to effectively deal with consumer complaints and grievances. If a pharmacotherapy provider did not want to negotiate with the PACS worker, there was often very little the service could do resulting in consumers feeling frustrated, powerless and that they had wasted their time. Interestingly enough, the majority of consumers in direct contact with PACS did not want to make complaints as such, they had problems they wanted resolved effectively and efficiently. These issues culminated in the name and the focus of the service changing. PACS changed its name to the ‘Pharmacotherapy Advocacy, Mediation and Support’ (PAMS) Service. This new name accurately reflects the role of the PAMS Service. PAMS SYSTEMIC ADVOCACY & REPRESENTATION ADVOCACY The PAMS service primarily works on resolving individual pharmacotherapy consumer-related problems and concerns. Through its work, the service develops a unique perspective into and an understanding of the Victorian Pharmacotherapy Service System. This specific knowledge and insight is often requested by policymakers, researchers and professional groups. For example PAMS has been involved in the following: Research Sub-Optimal Dosing of Methadone in Victoria Role of Methadone Take Away Doses in NSW and Victoria Post-Surveillance Marketing of Buprenorphine-Naloxone (Suboxone) Pharmacotherapy Funding Models Study Reviews Review of the Pharmacotherapy Rural Outreach Workers (PROW) Review of the Victorian Pharmacotherapy Program (2010) Review of the Specialist Pharmacotherapy Service (2013) Committees Harm Minimisation Committee (Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Victorian Branch) Victorian Department of Health – Pharmacotherapy Reform Advisory Committee Inner East Medicare Local Pharmacotherapy Committee Policy Development Pharmacotherapy Policy for Maintenance Pharmacotherapy for Opioid Dependence (2008) – Victorian Pharmacotherapy Guidelines Pharmacotherapy Policy for Maintenance Pharmacotherapy for Opioid Dependence (2013) – Victorian Pharmacotherapy Guidelines Buprenorphine-Naloxone Prescribing for Non-Registered GPs (2013)

Vaccine Locations With all of the Covid confusion, regardless of where it's come from, you'd be forgiven for not knowing how to go about getting the Covid vax if you choose to. We know that there are people in our community who do choose to be vaccinated and may be having trouble doing so- whether it's trouble with finding a clinic close to them or having trouble booking to get it done because of not having ID or a medicare card, or frustrating wait times etc, HRVic have decided to make sure that anyone in our community who chooses to partake- will not miss out. We absolutely respect our community's autonomy ( the right to self govern) around their health and respect your choice whatever it may be. We do however, want to ensure that this isn't another reason for society to leave us out in the cold. Already, the stigma and discrimination around someone who takes substances exists in spades and we don't need something else to move us to or keep us in 'the back of the line' in life. There are already many venues and businesses that have decided that people can not enter or partake without being vaccinated. The Basics: Everyone in Australia aged 12 and over can receive a COVID-19 vaccination If they choose. The Covid vaccines are FREE . You are allowed to travel more than 15km from home to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. View more information about current restrictions . There are a a few different types of vaccination clinics: Commonwealth Vaccination Clinics State (and Territory) Vaccination Centres General Practices (GPs) Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Services Community Pharmacies Hospital Immunisation Hubs Outreach Services and 'Pop Up' clinics Aged care in-reach Reserved appointments are available for people accessing alcohol and drug services to get vaccinated at state vaccination centres. Appointments for ALL areas are only available by calling (freecall) 1800 675 398. We have compiled a list of clinics and services who are offering the vaccines. Click on the area name that you want to find a clinic in to see locations in that area. NEW Pop Up and Walk In Vaccine Clinics List A 'Pop Up' vaccine clinic is a non permanent location where you can get your jab between certain dates. You may still need to book. Please check with individual locations to avoid disappointment. A 'Walk In' vaccination clinic is a clinic where you don't need to book. The Victorian Government is bringing the vaccines to areas that need them most, by launching a massive community pop-up vaccination program targeting 100 priority postcodes across the state. HRVic will continue to post UPDATED lists in PDF form so you can print them out, for you as they arise so nobody has to miss out. POP UP VACCINE CENTRES WALK IN VACCINE CENTRES INNER CITY The Inner City covers North Melbourne, Carlton, Collingwood, Richmond, East Melbourne, West Melbourne and South Melbourne. BAYSIDE The Bayside areas covers Albert Park to Mordialloc to Clayton, Malvern to Toorak. INNER EAST & EAST The Inner East and East areas cover all suburbs from Kew to Chirnside Park, out to Eltham to Warburton and back to Ferntree Gully and back to Caulfield. WEST & SOUTH WEST The West & South West areas covers Williamstown to Wyndham Vale and Eynesbury to Caroline Springs back to Footscray. NORTHERN SUBURBS The Northern Suburbs area covers Maribyrnong & Essendon to Taylors Lakes & Tullamarine up to Craigieburn to Bundoora and back to Reservoir, Thornbury and Northcote. SOUTH EAST & MORNINGTON PENINSULA The huge South East area covers from Dandenong to Warneet to Druin to Narre Warren and back to Emerald. REGIONAL VICTORIA Regional Victoria covers everywhere else- from Geelong to Ballarat to Bendigo to Gippsland to the mountains. CAN'T FIND A CLINIC IN YOUR AREA? TRY THESE OTHER RESOURCES Victorian Government Covid Vaccination Centre website TAKE ME THERE Australian Government Covid Vaccine Clinic Finder website TAKE ME THERE

Drug overdose peer education for drug users and staff who work with people who use drugs. Program of Harm Reduction Victoria OVERDOSE. What is an overdose? An overdose happens when a toxic amount of a drug or a combination of drugs causes a severe adverse reaction. This can happen because too much is taken or because of mixing different substances. This includes alcohol. Combining drugs increases the chances of overdose. Types of Overdose Different substances / types of substances and their overdose symptoms. Stimulant Overdose Stimulants include: Methamphetamine or ice, and Amphetamines incl. dexamphetamine or speed, Cocaine, Caffeine, etc. Some signs of a stimulant drug overdose are: increase in body temperature/overheating muscle cramps/ spasms /headaches chest pains/ heart attack seizures very large pupils rapid/irregular pulse rapid breathing/breathing problems confusion psychosis / delusions/ paranoia / hallucinations overwhelming sense of dread Depressant Overdose Depressants include: Opioids incl. heroin, nitazenes*,oxycodone, codeine, methadone and buprenorphine, Benzodiazepines, Barbituates, Tranquilizers and Alcohol Some signs of a depressant drug overdose are: vomiting being unresponsive, but awake limp body pale and/or clammy face bluish fingernails and/or lips shallow or erratic breathing, or not breathing at all slow or erratic pulse (heartbeat) choking sounds or a gurgling noise loss of consciousness death Psychadelic Overdose Psychadelics include: LSD, psilocybin(magic mushrooms), DMT, 2C-b and other 2C analogues, Ayahuasca, Mescaline Some of the perceived harms of psychedelics – for example, that they lead to addiction and are neurotoxic – are largely refuted by research of the past decades. Other risks, such as the risks of psychotic episodes or overdose, are rare and only reported in individual cases. TO BE CONTINUED. RECOGNISE OVERDOSE SIGNS OPIOID APPEARANCE •Clammy or cold skin •Blue lips or nails •Pinpoint pupils •Body limp ACTIONS •Slow or no breaths •Unusual snoring or gurgling •Choking CONSCIOUSNESS •Can’t talk or walk •Can’t stay awake •Won’t wake up •Unresponsive LEARN ABOUT NALOXONE HERE GO TO NALOXONE PAGE NYXOID- naloxone nasal spray Play Video naloxone ampoules HD Play Video NYXOID- naloxone nasal spray Play Video naloxone ampoules HD Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Channel Info Close The Take Home Naloxone Program The Take Home Naloxone (THN) Programs aim is to make the temporary opioid reversal medicine, naloxone, free and available without a prescription to people who are at risk of, or who may witness, an opioid overdose or adverse reaction. The 2022-23 Federal Budget included $19.6 million (over four years), for a national, ongoing THN Program. The program was initially piloted in New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia before being expanded to Victoria and the rest of the states from 1 July 2022.. Read More RECOGNISE the Symptoms AND RESPOND to Overdoses of Different Substances There is a risk of overdose with ANY substance. Here are a few different substances; How to Recognise overdose symptoms and How to Respond to them: CLICK on the Substance Recognise & Respond: Opioid Overdose Recognise & Respond: Stimulant Overdose Recognise & Respond to Hallucinogen Overdose Recognise & Respond to GHB Overdose Recognise & Respond to BenzoOverdose Recognise & Respond to Alcohol Overdose Straight Shooters Play Video Naloxone administration is childs play Play Video naloxone ampoules HD Play Video Straight Shooters Play Video Naloxone administration is childs play Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Close

HRVic's Mission Statement, Guiding Principles, Strategic Plan. Who is Harm Reduction Victoria? Who does it represent? What is Harm Reduction and WHY do we need WHO IS HARM REDUCTION VICTORIA? Harm Reduction Victoria (HRVic) is a not-for-profit, community organisation for people who use drugs. HRVic does not condemn nor condone the use of drugs. HRVic merely recognises that drug use happens and as such, aims to reduce any possible harms associated with that drug use. HRVic's health promotion focus is guided by the belief that any drug-related harm should be treated as a health issue and not a criminal issue. Our aim is to advance the health and well-being of people who use drugs by creating an environment in which individuals are empowered to realise their aspirations, meet their needs and participate fully in society. Our membership, staff and supporters include current and former people who use drugs, their allies and their support networks and people who support the values and objectives of Harm Reduction Victoria. We prioritise the issues and concerns of people who use drugs in all that we do within a community development framework. The philosophy of harm reduction and advancing the health and human rights of people who use drugs guides all of HRVic’s work. HRVic’s interventions are individually and collectively targeted, in order to promote a culture of safer drug use. OUR HISTORY In 1987, in the face of a growing HIV epidemic, a group of drug users, supported by their friends, families and allies established VIVAIDS- now called Harm Reduction Victoria- as an independent, living and lived experience-driven, community based organisation. Now funded primarily by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, HRVic provides peer driven and designed education and resources, practical support, information and advocacy to current and past users of illicit substances, their supporters and the services who work with them. HRVic has often led the way in developing innovative approaches to peer education and community development, and has contributed to Australia having one of the lowest HIV rates among injecting drug users in the world. OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES Community Ownership and Accountability: Harm Reduction Victoria is of and for our community. Through active engagement with our membership and constituent communities, Harm Reduction Victoria aims to identify and serve the needs of drug users in Victoria. We encourage a broad-based sense of ownership and involvement in all aspects of HRV’s operations. Inclusivity: Harm Reduction Victoria respects and represents all people who use drugs in Victoria, regardless of gender, sexuality, age, disability or ethnic group. We prioritise those at greatest risk of drug related harm and in particular people who inject drugs, due to the risk of blood borne virus transmission. “Nothing about us without us”: Harm Reduction Victoria asserts the right of people who use drugs to have a voice in decisions which directly affect our lives and to be involved in the response to drug use and associated harms in Victoria including drug related policies and programs. http://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/reports/nothing-about-us-without-us Human Rights: Harm Reduction Victoria rejects all forms of arbitrary discrimination against people who use drugs. We believe that the stigma associated with drug use undermines human dignity and self-efficacy, and creates barriers to participation in the social, cultural and economic life of the community. We work towards the elimination of these destructive attitudes. Health Promotion: Harm Reduction Victoria is a health promotion organisation. We are guided by a belief that drug related harm should be treated as a health issue and not a criminal issue. Our aim is to advance the health and wellbeing of people who use drugs by creating an environment in which individuals are empowered to realise their aspirations, meet their needs and participate fully in society. Partnerships and Collaboration: In order to respond more effectively to the needs of people who use drugs, Harm Reduction Victoria is committed to pursuing partnerships and strategic alliances with other community sector organisations built on shared goals and trust. Excellence: Harm Reduction Victoria strives to be a model employer, to be accountable to our members and constituent communities for all of our actions, and to achieve optimal outcomes at all times. For more comprehensive information, view the Harm Reduction Victoria Strategic Plan here. OUR VISION A world where all people are treated the same & have the same opportunities regardless of their drug of choice. OUR MISSION To work to advance the health, dignity and social justice of Victorians who use drugs. OUR ROLE T o authentically represent the voices of and for Victorians who use drugs. HRVic is the state member (Victoria's representative) of the national network of drug user organisations, which is headed up by AIVL, our national peak body. OUR AIM Our aim is to educate, inform, support and advocate on behalf of all Victorians who use drugs, their friends & their allies. HRVic seeks to improve the way people who use drugs are treated in the broader community as well as by the medical community & government services. The philosophy of advancing the health & human rights of people who use drugs guides all of our work. HRVic’s interventions are individually & collectively targeted, in order to promote a culture of safer drug use. OUR TEAM If the membership are the legs that carry the org, the board of directors - the brains of HRVic, then the 15 permanent staff and over 150+ volunteers, are definitely the heart of the organisation. From a variety of backgrounds, qualifications and experience, the HRVic team is made up of current and former people who use drugs giving HRVic the advantage in drug related health promotion and a truely unique peer-spective. OUR PROGRAMS

CHANGING LANES Deciding to go onto pharmacotherapy- whether it's methadone, suboxone or the new long acting buprenorphine injection- is no small decision. Our PAMS program has put this series of 4 videos together- covering every aspect of pharmacotherapy- from the real voices of real pharmacotherapy consumers to you to assist you in making that decision. Changing Lanes Changing Lanes Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Search videos Search video... Now Playing 20211015 720p INHSU Comm Rapporteur 08:07 Play Video Now Playing E01 Deciding To Go On Treatment 04:59 Play Video Now Playing E02 Accessing Treatment 05:31 Play Video

In 2016, DW expanded its services in response to a need and partnered with a range of collaborators to provide support and infrastructure to festivals to respond to Sexual and Gender Based Violence (GB,) other onsite traumas and psychological distress. DanceWize's NEW Gender Based Violence and Mental Health Services In November 2016, DW expanded its services in response to a need and partnered with a range of collaborators to provide support and infrastructure to festivals to respond to Gender Based Violence (GBV,) other onsite traumas and mental health/psychological distress.  The service acknowledges that there are often disclosures of GBV in the DW space due to the reputation of DW as a safe and non judgmental place where patrons can discuss any issues relating to their drug use and wellbeing. The service also supports the psychological wellbeing of patrons, event staff and volunteers. DW acknowledges that responding to GBV, trauma and psychological distress at music festivals is unique and requires specialist knowledge about responding to AOD, trauma and mental health presentations and the service is provided by peers with appropriate qualifications and extensive experience in the fields of sexual assault, family violence, AOD, trauma and mental health. The services offered are tailored to the industry and acknowledge the unique social, cultural and individual factors of a festival that may result in GBV and psychological distress, paying particular attention to breaking down the barriers to disclosing in the festival context. The service focuses on primary and secondary prevention – providing consultation to festivals about ways to reduce the risk of GBV that includes training and reviewing of policies and procedures, and offering onsite services that are designed to respond to and lessen the immediate and long term of harm of GBV, respond to more complex mental health presentations or onsite traumas, and provide debriefing to staff and volunteers, The service is trauma-informed, focusing on responding to and supporting people in care through establishing safety and trust, valuing client centred care, upholding victim survivor rights, and is guided by the national standards for the delivery of sexual assault services. Pre-event capacity building and consultation Provision of training on Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Assault at Music festivals (DanceWize and CASA House training) and training booklets Provision of training on Bystander Intervention and Understanding trauma A library of resources available to festivals – brochures for appropriate mental health, sexual assault and family violence services from all across Australia A library of posters available to festivals on consent, supporting survivor’s, responding to disclosures of sexual assault and bystander intervention -developed in collaboration with WestCASA and designed for the music industry Expert consultation on festival sexual assault and harassment policies and procedures, including the provision of templates Festival social media/public messaging advice about consent, GBV and harassment Ability to foster a festivals relationship with local SOCIT’s and CASA’s to ensure that local services are aware of the festival operating Advise event staff of risk factors of GBV at festivals at pre-event planning meetings; Expert advice about the development of processes and procedures relating to the removal of alleged perpetrators Development of flow charts, cheat sheets on responding to sexual assault for event staff Onsite Service Delivery Provision of a separate safe space behind the DW Chill Area Provision of qualified counsellors who work collaboratively with EMT’s to manage risk of wider festival safety Provision of temporary accommodation Resources, and counselling and support provided to people in care Ability to engage with the event’s local CASA, to ensure that local area SOCIT teams are aware of the event and DW counsellors. Local CASA’s have at times been present onsite with a resource table and as part of the DW team. Ability for counsellors to provide secondary consultation and debriefing to all event staff and volunteers who may have witnessed GBV, other traumas or have been a first responder Ability for counsellors to respond to other festival incidents at request of EMT/ECC Provision of active bystander rovers, who role model bystander intervention and provide education about consent Let's Work Together DW’s GBV and Mental Health Service is offered as an additional fee for service to festivals and events and is meant to complement and enhance DanceWize core operations. When the service is requested, the DW GBV and Mental Health service works in collaboration with core operations staff and volunteers to enhance the overall well-being of patrons and staff at festivals and events. The GBV and Mental Health Service offers a comprehensive suite of services, and festivals can choose which activities they would like to engage with. The service is focused on interventions that target the whole festival community.   More information about the service can be requested by emailing  info@dancewize.org.au

This project is integral to building a strong and resilient living experience workforce and discipline and aligning the sector to better understand peer engagement and in turn offer the best possible service delivery to benefit the health and wellbeing of all PWUD PWUD accessing services fuse initiatives Harm Reduction Victoria (HRVic) and the Association of Participating Service Users (APSU) have worked in partnership to support Harm Reduction Peer Workers (HRPW’s) working in mainstream harm reduction services for the last 4 years. We have been able to build on this network and increase the regularity, length, depth and frequency of meetings and support interventions. The partnership will continue to support, mentor, and build on the skills of HRPW’s funded through Reducing Harmful Drug Use Through Peer-led Network (RHDUPLN). We have secured funding to build this living experience workforce and have now become Fuse Initiatives, which includes the very important Fuse Networks (the Victorian living experience community of practice) that offers peer to peer support for this workforce. Fuse Initiatives incorporates greater “meaningful involvement of people who use drugs” and “Nothing about us without us” as core principles and practices, in the development of Fuse Initiatives. This project is integral to building a strong and resilient living experience workforce and discipline and aligning the sector to better understand peer engagement and in turn offer the best possible service delivery to benefit the health and wellbeing of all PWUD accessing services Read Fuse Strategy READ HRPW WHACK 48 Issue Harm Reduction Living and Lived Experience Workforce Discipline Framework Created by Harm Reduction Victoria (HRVic), in collaboration with the Victorian Department of Health and the organisations of the Lived and Living Experience Development Project Read HRPW Framework Definitions Victoria has fantastic peer workforces with a range of goals and communities and experiences. We all utilize our experiences to work with our communities. These are some definitions of the specific workforce that Fuse is supporting: • Harm Reduction Peer Worker- someone who is in a defined peer role that brings living experience to their role. They are affected by similar issues – ie. health issues, such as overdose or blood borne virus transmission - as the community they work with and support • Living Experience -Is someone who is accepted by the community of people who use drugs (PWUD) as being part of that community. Their experience of issues related to illicit drug use is current. • PWUD – People who use and or inject drugs. The Primary Aims Provide a support function for HRPW’s through Fuse Networks ( the Victorian living experience community of practice ) Coordinate, convene and co-chair the Fuse Initiatives Advisory Group (FIAG) . FIAG has been developed and will help HRVIC and APSU engage with the funders, PLN stakeholders and HRPWs and encourage transparent information flow between all the key stakeholders Coordinate a Harm Reduction Peer Workforce strategic approach across Victoria Engage with all stakeholders, and enhance their understanding of the principle of meaningful involvement of people who use drugs, and ensure that it is a practice at the centre any work being delivered and asked of the living experience workforce and the programs they work in Key Focus Areas Of Fuse Initiatives Fuse Networks Offer support, mentoring, peer supervision to all HRPWs working in designated roles in AOD and Harm Reduction Affirm that support strategies meet the needs of the HRPWs, use yearly HRPW consultation outcomes to inform our strategies Develop support & supervision frameworks to outline pathways between support intervention to One-on-One peer supervision Develop confidential, non – identifiable means for capturing themes for support interventions Offer support to workers with living experience in non-designated roles, where possible and appropriate Fuse Training • Provide workforce development opportunities • Provide training opportunities for all HRPW’s via different platforms and meet individual skill development needs • Undertake ongoing training needs analysis development through consultation and feedback from HRPWs Fuse Development • Develop organisational readiness training, audits, and stigma and discrimination training for all staff that may work with HRPW’s with a living experience lens • Sector development and training to support a greater understanding of the benefits of the living experience peer workforce • Develop strategic framework to guide the strengthening of the living experience workforce in Victoria Harm Reduction Peer Workers are people with lived or living experience of drug use & overdose risk who are employed in harm reduction roles which promote the health & well being of people who use drugs. Key reflections • HRPW’s have access to community members that do not access mainstream health services, through connections that workers with living experience can best access • HRPW’s are a value add to the services they work in, and can act as a bridge between the service and their service users for better health outcomes • Having a network of HRPWs coming together monthly has been beneficial for all HRPWs, increased regularity and duration has been well received (Key reflections current and from HRPW Consultation, 2020)

DRUG OVERDOSE PEER EDUCATION (D.O.P.E) WORKSHOPS The DOPE project educates approximately 250 current drug users every year by means of 25 peer education workshops, which accommodate up to 10 participants per workshop. These workshops are held at a range of clinics, organisations and services attended by people who inject drugs. Although we try to target 250 new participants each year, there is also value in people coming back for a ‘refresher’ workshop. Our evaluation suggests that some people take longer to absorb the information and to feel confident enough to act on it. Each workshop goes for approx. 3 hours with short breaks and a meal provided. Some people say that the workshop is too long and they cringe at the thought of having to participate for “that long”. Yet more often than not, as I start to wrap things up, I hear those same people saying “is that it?” or “gee that went quick!” So, it is true that time really does fly when you are having fun. Here at HRVic, we are firm believers in the concept of ‘information overload’ and as such try hard not to cram everything into one workshop which is why our workshops are flexible. Once everyone has arrived at a workshop, we usually start with a quick discussion around what drugs the participants are using and what they already know about overdose. That way we can tailor the workshop to suit those present and make sure that the information is interesting and relevant. Done In 60 Seconds A fun 60 second 'How To' for Nyxoid nasal spray naloxone and Prenoxad injectable naloxone made for International Overdose Awareness Day 2021 for our social media accounts. A longer, less sped up version of each will be available on our youtube channel HRVic Oz.

HRVic is a community based, not-for-profit organisation that represents people who use drugs. Community service awards include: COMING SOON Our new website is in progress. Please bare with us while we cross all our T's and dot all our i's.