As your family grows, take control of your future
We all need help from time to time. Pregnancy and raising children come with many changes and challenges – along with wonderful moments. We’re here to support you at a time when others are depending on you. This free program helps you move past old patterns and create a brighter future for you and your children.
Program details
The AMEND counselling program supports women experiencing problems related to drug and alcohol consumption and co-existing mental health programs. The free program aims to help manage substance use and improve relationships and general wellbeing.
Your counsellor will provide up to 18 one-hour weekly sessions in your home or other child-friendly setting. This makes it easier to attend appointments and removes barriers such as making childcare arrangements.
The program is built on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) principles and techniques. Your counsellor will work with you to:
- Establish goals
- Identify and manage triggers for substance use
- Manage cravings
- Challenge unhelpful thinking patterns
- Manage stress
- Build relationship skills
- Budget
- Problem-solve
- Plus, more strategies and techniques to get on track.
Program benefits
The AMEND program helps you develop insight and practical skills to:
- Learn about the impacts of substance use during pregnancy, breastfeeding and parenting
- Know what to do when cravings, triggers and high-risk situations make you want to use substances
- Manage difficult thinking styles and beliefs that lead to substance use
- Manage stress, depression, anxiety and other symptoms
- Improve interpersonal relationships, communication and assertion skills
- Create social and community support
- Find fun, relaxing and creative things to do with your time
- Manage your money and make wise goals for the future
- Learn how to build and enhance a positive relationship with your child.
Our Approach
Our programs are evidence based. We emphasise harm minimisation strategies and relapse prevention.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this program, you must:
- Live in the catchment area.
- Be pregnant and/or have dependent children (up to the age of 18).
- Be actively caring for children, or have current contact (or seeking to increase contact with them).
Locations
The AMEND program for mothers is offered in the Greater Brisbane and Gold Coast regions.
How to apply
If you’re eligible, you can apply for the free program through the apply link, call us on 1300 114 397 or submit the form below.
Common questions
Here are the most frequently asked questions we receive about our AMEND program.
Are there any costs or out of pocket fees?
No, there are no costs or fees to take part in the AMEND program.
Will I receive professional counselling?
Yes, our counsellors are fully trained professionals.
What happens if I miss an appointment?
Your counsellor will text and/or phone you to confirm your appointment. If your counsellor is unable to reach you to reschedule your appointment, they’ll consider the appointment to be cancelled and will wait to hear from you.
Do I need to attend all 18 appointments?
No, your participation is voluntary and you do not need to attend all 18 appointments. The number of sessions is up to you (up to 18 appointments).
What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?
CBT is a form of psychological treatment that has been proven to improve functioning and quality of life. It’s effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug use, relationship problems and mental illness.
The AMEND program approach is based on the core principles of CBT that psychological problems stem from faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking, and learned patterns of behaviour. Through CBT, people can learn better ways of thinking and acting, relieving psychological symptoms and distress. This leads to improved personal effectiveness and empowerment.
What is Anglicare’s purpose?
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We’ve been caring for Queenslanders for over 150 years
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We connect with people at every stage of life and respond with compassion and humility
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Our team is experienced, dedicated and equipped to help
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We advocate to inform positive social change
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Our vision is to create a more loving, just and inclusive society.
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Access our services
We’re here for you. Submit this form or call us to access an Anglicare service or program. Our team is available between 9am and 5pm weekdays on 1300 114 397.
If you need to talk to someone urgently, outside of business hours, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. If you are in immediate danger, dial 000.