The Hamilton Centre’s training has been invaluable in supporting my practice and our service to deliver more effective integrated mental health and addiction care. The workshops and in-person trainings have helped me better understand the link and adverse reactions between different medications, tobacco, and AOD substances, and also deepen my understanding of the impacts of stigma on CALD and lower socio-economic communities. This knowledge has strengthened my ability to identify potential medication contradictions and advocate for clients’ safety. I would love to see all levels of staff – including lived experience peer workers and managers – complete the Hamilton Centre’s eight online training modules, as well as in-person workshops where applicable."

Charlotte Olifent, AOD Clinician (Associate), Latrobe Mental Health and Wellbeing Local

Support and education from the Hamilton Centre greatly improved my knowledge and confidence in combining mental health support with pharmacotherapy advice and referral options. The Hamilton Centre’s person-centred approach makes a real difference for people with dual diagnosis. By looking at the whole picture, not just one part of someone’s experience, they’ve helped me provide more meaningful support and build stronger engagement. Everyone I have dealt with at the Hamilton Centre has been friendly, non-judgmental, helpful and informative. Also, knowing that we can call its helpline for further information or advice is such a huge help."

Jo Thomas, Consumer Peer Worker

The support provided by the Hamilton Centre has had a positive impact on both clinical practice and consumer outcomes. From a practice perspective, access to specialist advice and collaborative discussions has improved our confidence in addressing the needs of consumers with complex AOD and Mental Health concerns. Consumers have demonstrated consistently good engagement with the peer workers from Hamilton Centre, which demonstrates the importance of additional non-clinical approaches in supporting our consumer base."

Medina Bajrektarevic, Social Worker, Secure Extended Care Unit (SECU), Adult Inpatient Mental Health Program, Monash Health

The Hamilton Centre provides a centralised hub for the ongoing work of education, capacity building and workforce development across the regions and metro areas of Victoria. This represents a more modern and formalised consolidated approach to the early days of the VDDI and the development of the Dual Diagnosis teams within public mental health services. The establishment of the Hamilton Centre as a peak body that provides clinical support, advice and education in the co-occurring needs space has been a wise and necessary achievement of policy and service development.”

AOD & Mental Health Clinician, LaTrobe Regional Health