History of SHARC

Since its establishment in 1995, SHARC has lived its Mission Statement, helping to create transformation for countless individuals, families and communities impacted by addiction.

With a focus on self-help, SHARC has become an innovative and contemporary service that provides opportunities for individuals, families and communities affected by addiction and related problems to recover and achieve meaningful, satisfying and contributing lives.

1983
The Understanding and Support (US) Society

Founded by a group of individuals in recovery to offer others emphatic understanding and support in a drug-free and home-like environment.

1987
The Self Help and Substance Use Project (SHASU)

Established as an umbrella organisation for drug self-help groups.

1995
SHARC established

The US society and SHASU amalgamate to form SHARC.

2000
FDH and APSU

Family Drug Help and the Association of Participating Service Users are funded under the SHARC umbrella of services.

2004
RSS program established

The Residential Support Services program for young people aged 16-25 years opens. 

2007
SHARC’s new home

SHARC purchased ‘the Church’, at 140 Grange Road, Carnegie in 2004. Building work commenced in 2006 and SHARC moved into its new offices in 2007.

 

2014
USWRP program

SHARC’s Understanding and Support Women’s Recovery Program (USWRP) opens a five bedroom house in SE Melbourne.

 

2015
Oxford Houses

Mind Australia and SHARC form partnership to support the Oxford Houses program with SHARC taking on sole management in 2020, with funding support from the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation (Victoria Branch)

 

2018
Lived Experience Workforce

SHARC invests in the development and growth of the lived experience workforce, and assists in developing the Strategy for the AOD Peer Workforce in Victoria (2020)

 

2019
HESTA Award

SHARC receives the Outstanding Organisation Award at the 2019 HESTA Community Sector Awards. 

 

2020
Expanding support to families

FDH becomes Family Drug and Gambling Help (FDGH), reflecting the growing needs of families coping with gambling.

 

2021
Mental Health Reform

Supporting the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Mental Health Services, SHARC is closely involved in the mental health reform process, developing new programs in partnership with the mental health sector.

Currently
SHARC’s program areas

SHARC delivers services across four program areas – Family Drug & Gambling Help, Residential Peer Programs, Peer Projects and the Association of Participating Service Users.

Discover our programs

APSU

Have your voice heard. Make your experience count.
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Family Drug & Gambling Help

Help to cope with a loved one’s drug use or gambling.
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Peer Projects

Support and development for the lived experience workforce.
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Residential Peer Programs

Support to help you on your recovery journey.
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