APSU

The Association of Participating Service Users (APSU) is a Victorian consumer representative body of the Self Help Addiction Resource Centre. APSU believes that people who use alcohol and other drug services have a wealth of experience and knowledge to contribute: they have a right to contribute their ideas and opinions to service provision, policy, research and the professional development.

 Our Mission

• To work collaboratively with key stakeholders to increase community (consumer), participation in drug treatment and care provider systems.

• To increase service user impact on relevant policy development and implementation at the local, state and national level.

• To promote, encourage and assist service users in the development of service user run programs and activities at the local level.

APSU works collaboratively with services in the setting up and delivery of consumer participation projects. To assist with the sustainability of consumer participation projects, we offer the Peer Model as a training and activity model.

The Peer Model includes

• Peer Helper Training: a 40 hour training course that equips people experienced in AOD service use to help others who are just beginning to use AOD services
• Experts by Experience: 4 workshops designed to develop the necessary skills for consumers to participate in the decision making involved in service provision, policy making, research and professional development
• The Speaker Bureau: this is a database of consumers who are willing to offer a consumer perspective whilst engaged in meetings, forums, or delivering presentations.

APSU also engages in systemic advocacy. If you have an issue that needs to be raised or want more information regarding services, we are happy to help.

Contact us

Tel: 03 9573 1736, 03 9573 1776
Email: apsu@sharc.org.au
To become a member visit our website   www.apsuonline.org.au  (Membership is free.)