Our programs

Workshops

image_05.jpgThe Positive Lifestyle Counselling Services is located at:

Shops 6 & 7
147-151 Foster Street (Opposite the Magistrates' Court)

PO Box 7302

Dandenong, VIC 3175
Telephone: (03) 9794 9533
Fax: (03) 9794 9003.

Hours:
Mon and Wed: 9.00am- 8.00pm,   
Tues, Thurs and Fri : 9.00am - 5.00pm   

Manager: Darrell Hinga
Administration Coordinator: Suzanne Maxwell
Program Coordinator: Dirk Francke

Individual Program / Service Information

The Salvation Army Positive Lifestyle Centre comprises programs based at Dandenong and Ringwood. The Positive Lifestyle Program is a series of one-to-one sessions which run over a ten week period, addressing topics such as,

  • Self-Awareness

  • Depression

  • Loneliness

  • Grief and Loss

  • Self Esteem

  • Stress / Anxiety

  • Anger

  • Problem Solving

  • Goal Setting

  • Relationships

Anger management is a program, which runs for a six weeks period in a group setting. For greater client access it is held in the evening or if required it is run as a one to one program with a separate format.

  • Lessons

  • Anger (Types of)

  • Patterns and Self Esteem

  • Family Relationships

  • Drugs and Alcohol

  • Avoiding Arguments

Mission Statement: The Positive Lifestyle Centre's mission is to change the world, one life at a time.

To achieve this the Positive Lifestyle Counselling Services is dedicated to assist all individuals who come for help and advice, by providing positive, encouraging, empathetic, guidance in an innovative approach towards problem solving.

We seek to assist clients via participatory intervention, which is the provision of skilled assistance support and enhancement of surrounding services, to increase their quality of life.

We encourage our staff to participate and contribute in their own unique way. The Positive Lifestyle Counselling Services operates its services without discrimination and with a non judgemental commitment to offering real options, which are focused on the most disadvantaged and marginalized people with out community.

Our History:

The Positive Lifestyle Counselling Services, previously known as the Positive Lifestyle Centre was started in 1993 by Major Ted Gray to assist people going through the court system especially those who re-offended time after time, which in turn placed them at great risk both emotionally and physically.

Realizing a great need for these people to address why they repeatedly offended the Positive Lifestyle Program was implemented. Today the Centre is a growing network linked to many other services conducted in two shop fronts opposite the Dandenong Magistrates court.

Ten employed staff and six volunteers make up the team. Students from various agencies attend for placement in Drug and Alcohol and general counselling.

Aim of the Centre:

To assist all individuals who come for help and advice. We provide positive, encouraging, empathetic, guidance towards problem solving by encouraging people to participate and contribute in their own unique way. In a supportive and non-judgmental environment.

Programs include the 10-session Positive Lifestyle Program, 8-session Advanced Life Skills Program, anger management (both group and one-on-one sessions), relationship and general counselling, drug and alcohol counselling, relapse prevention and an addiction awareness group. We also conduct crisis intervention.

Statistics show that in the last twelve months over 3500 people have attended for counselling and crisis intervention. Clients attending the Centre are referred from different sources:

  • self-referred

  • solicitors

  • Court ordered

  • Community Corrections

  • COATS

  • Department of Human Services

  • Employment Plus

  • Juvenile Justice

  • Dandenong Drug Court

Started in June 2002, the Dandenong Drug Court is a new approach to people facing the court with drug related crimes. They are highly at risk in many ways, but a breakthrough is being made by treating the disease and person without the focus on a prison sentence.

People seen at the Centre are at risk in various ways eg. no hope, re-offending, overdose with drugs and alcohol, homelessness, poverty, sexual, emotional and physical abuse within relationships.

We see many people whose lives are turned around just by:

  • showing them another way to approach a problem

  • giving them the respect they often fail to receive

  • showing them they are worthwhile people

  • introducing the meaning of spirituality

  • never giving up on them

  • projecting hope instead of hopelessness.

The results include family relationships saved, drug users staying clean, and past clients returning to visit thanking us for turning their lives around.

Funds are required to keep the centre operating efficiently. Our costs include:

  • wages for staff

  • employment of more counsellors to meet the growing demand for people needing help

  • everyday amenities and utilities

  • staff training and seminars.
     

Vision

Providing best practice and innovative support and programs to our clients and most disadvantaged people in the community.

Working together we bring clients into a holistic healing (body, mind and spirit) by:

  • Creating opportunities

  • Alleviating distress

  • Enhancing connectedness

  • Recognising the intrinsic worth of all individuals in our society.

Martin's Story - Team Effort

The Positive Lifestyle Centre first met Martin when he walked into the Centre desperately seeking assistance. His life was in a mess, he was separated from his family, had no work, no home and no friends. Fortunately, due to a cancellation he was able to see a counsellor immediately.

The first hour was vital. He was listened to, he was able to tell his part of his journey and he had time out to calm down.
The next week he contacted the Centre twice, so badly hurting that an ambulance was called. The telephone link was maintained by a counsellor who reassured him while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. Following this incident, regular weekly sessions were arranged for him.

Two key incidents helped in the breakthrough with Martin. Firstly, he was given a birthday card signed by the staff and a cake in recognition of his 40th birthday, and secondly the Centre found new accommodation for him. These were significant acts of caring for Martin, who had spent his birthday alone. For a week the Centre provided food parcels to help Martin until his next cheque arrived.

Changes were noticed. Martin arrived with his hair cut, showered and wearing new clothes. He demonstrated a desire to put old wrongs right and letters of apology were written.

New challenges were met, for example his personal issues were confronted by a counsellor. An invitation to meet new people at Rowville Salvation Army was given and accepted. He was given a New Testament and he began to read and discuss passages.

Three months on and a new Martin appeared, a confident man in a brand new suit, willing to find regular employment, eager to continue to face his new challenges and assured of friendship. He was keen to do something for the staff to thank them.

Martin no longer visits us as he has gone overseas, but he still keeps in touch by text message. Last heard of, he was doing well and continues to thank us for his new peace of mind.