IT'S a facility that has helped thousands of those struggling with drugs and alcohol, and on January 18 the Lyndon Community will be opening the doors of their new building within the Orange Health Service medical precinct at the Bloomfield campus.
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For 35 years the Lyndon Community has operated its residential rehabilitation program out of a home in Canowindra that the group could no longer afford to maintain.
Lyndon Community deputy executive officer Dr Julaine Allan said that the community of Canowindra had always supported the home, but the structure was run-down and no longer suited contemporary treatment methods.
“It was built in the 1920s and was originally a local pastoralist’s home, so although it’s a beautiful home in a beautiful town, it needs a lot of work.”
At the Canowindra home, up to four clients would have to share a room and bathroom space was at a premium, at the new facility, everyone has their own space.
“This building used to be the old residential psychiatric ward so it is built for that single purpose,” Dr Allan said.
“We will have 15 clients here at any time and they will have one bathroom for every four people. With their own space it will be just be more respectful to give them their own privacy when they’re here.”
The building has a central living area complete with a new kitchen that has replaced the old psych ward food service area.
“The psychiatric ward patients had their food delivered, our clients cook their own food.” Dr Allan said.
Dr Allan said that one of the many positives about the move is the access clients will have to other services within the precinct and the rest of Orange.
“People that come to the program will now have better access to health, social and vocational opportunities,” she said.
The Lyndon Community residential program will be having an open day on February 11 beginning at 11am.