Day programs

Day programs, sometimes called ‘drop in centres’ are safe places where a young person can go during the day and seek help with their substance use and any other identified needs.

What are day programs?

They are staffed by Drug and Alcohol Workers and can look something like a lounge room with young people hanging out, using the computers, pool tables, making snacks for themselves or playing pool. This can be a safe, non-threatening way for young people who have made the choice not to seek support from a drug and alcohol worker to begin to access support. It can often lead to the young person connecting to other support options once their trust has been built at the day program.  

Some day programs have access to showers, washing machines, GPs and other services that offer vocational skills and health education. Young people can be substance affected at these programs and it can offer a space where they can be monitored by trained staff to ensure their safety.  

Any young person can access a day program, they are often open during business hours and there may be other young people spending time there.  

Depending on the day program, some services that may be offered include:

• A safe place to spend time
• If a young person has been using alcohol or other drugs, staff can supervise and monitor them as they recover
• Primary health care, access to doctors and nurses 
• Personal care facilities such as showers and washing machines
• Health education 
• Life skills programming 
• Opportunities to talk to a youth drug and alcohol worker
• Opportunities to talk to a counsellor
• Peer support 
• Opportunities to be referred to other services (such as detox, housing services, etc.)
• Vocational support
• Opportunities to participate in activities and programs

Who are day programs best suited to?

• Young people who are not attending school and are unemployed
• Young people who are socially isolated
• Young people who are having trouble with housing or are living out of home with very little support