What we believe

Our mission is to:

Provide a specialised therapeutic service for children and adults affected by alcohol, drugs or other addictive behaviours.

We aim to:

1. Reduce the harm associated with addictive behaviour for individuals, families and the community.
2. Improve the quality of life for individuals, families and communities affected by addictive behaviour.
3. Increase individuals’ ability to address their addictive behaviour.

Supporting clients to take responsibility for themselves and their actions is the foundation of the Holyoake approach:

‘Your Life – Your Choice’

What we do

We provide an extensive range of therapeutic programs for anyone affected by their own or another person’s alcohol, drugs, gambling or other addictive behaviours.

All Holyoake programs are:

• Based on a harm minimisation model
• Evidence based
• Client focussed.

Individual counselling

These sessions involve meeting with one of our counsellors, usually on a weekly basis, for an agreed period of time.

The number of sessions required will vary depending upon individual circumstances.

Group work approach

Our group programs bring together small numbers of people (8-10) who are facing similar issues. Sessions are held weekly.

Our programs provide information about addictive behaviours; why they develop and their effects on individuals and families. We offer participants alternative coping strategies and a supported pathway to a more productive life.

Client outcomes include:

• Reduced alcohol or drug misuse
• Delayed uptake of alcohol or drugs in young people
• Reduced gambling behaviour
• Improved relationships – personal, social, school, work
• Increased coping skills
• Increased self esteem
• Decreased aggressive behaviour
• Decreased anxiety and depression
• Decreased family violence
• Decreased school absenteeism
• Decreased unemployment
• Decreased criminal behaviour.

What participants think

Holyoake has helped thousands of Tasmanians to regain control of their lives and look ahead with confidence and optimism.

Here is what some of our clients have said about our programs:

“I just feel incredibly fortunate that I came ... I have learned valuable, useful strategies that I hope will see me through life.”

“I was really low, like nothing was important. They took my kids away. It was shit. Holyoake helped me work through my drinking and understand why I drank. I have been dry for four months now and I’m seeing the kids again.”

“I feel like I have the skills to reach my son again, since I have come to Holyoake.”

“I have been to many places for help over the years. I really got what they said at Holyoake and now I’m in control of my life again.”

“I understand myself now better than I ever have...”

“This program should be available to all prisoners. I never had anyone listen before, Janine and Ros are the best.”

“The facilitators were incredibly professional. A truly brilliant program. It has been a gift.”

“Keep doing this program, as many people like myself think there’s no one there for us.”

“Holyoake has taught me positive ways of coping with emotional pain and other causes of my alcohol and other drug use.”

“It must be amazing to save someone’s life.”