Wednesday, 30 August 2023

Power in You Project

Sarah MANSFIELD (Western Victoria) (09:44): Last week I had the pleasure of attending the inaugural Power in You Project gala fundraising event in Geelong. The Power in You Project was founded by Kane Nuttall, drawing on his experience with substance addiction and the importance of immediate empathic assistance when someone seeks help. It empowers people experiencing addiction and mental health and justice-related challenges, using holistic supports and strategies. Its strength lies in peer support models and therapeutic programs that foster self-esteem, self-awareness, community connections and independence. Programs include life skills, river walks, art therapy, addiction support, justice peer support and women’s groups. Many of the team have lived experience, creating a non-judgemental and trusted environment for participants.

Observing the organisation over the past few years it has been wonderful to see it deliver real impacts for my community and become a standard setter in the Geelong region for addiction support. Over a third of participants who experienced substance addiction have remained sober and almost all of the remaining participants dramatically reduced their substance use. Over a third are studying, working or volunteering, and many have been able to seek additional treatment or continue to participate in the program. Our system completely fails most people who encounter addiction and the criminal justice system, making the work of organisations like the Power in You Project so important.