Rhiannon's Reality: AOD Services and COVID-19 Challenges
Putting in my own personal boundaries, giving myself a day to just say alright- Today's my day to catch up on emails and you know, relax a little bit and not get overwhelmed by everything that's happening- has been critical, as well as downtime, you know.
Ever wondered how frontline workers in addiction services adapted to the chaos of COVID-19? Meet Rhiannon, a dual diagnosis peer worker at a major health organisation in Melbourne. In this eye-opening episode of 'Straight From the Source', Rhiannon shares her journey of navigating Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) services during the pandemic. With lockdowns and restrictions disrupting the usual ways of connecting with clients, Rhiannon had to find new methods to maintain those vital relationships.
Her story isn't just about professional challenges; it's also a heartfelt exploration of social justice and human well-being. She discusses the importance of harm reduction education, capacity building among staff, and the critical need for mental health support and self-care. Rhiannon's experiences underscore the resilience and adaptability required to continue providing essential services in such unpredictable times.
Whether you're in the field or simply interested in the human side of addiction services, this episode offers a compelling look at how one peer worker rose to meet unprecedented challenges.