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

What are day programs?

Day programs are safe places where a young person can go during the day and seek help for substance use. 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. They can be a safe, non-threatening way for young people who are resistant to seeing a drug and alcohol worker, beginning to access support.

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