Drug ARM Executive Director on outreach

August 12, 2024

Following is an account of Drug ARM Executive Director/CEO Brad Strong’s personal observations on outreach patrol in July 2024 in Maryborough – (Brad is pictured above on the right, with outreach volunteer Marty):

“While on a recent visit to Maryborough, I asked the local Drug ARM Street Outreach team if I could go along with them on patrol and they kindly agreed to take me.

I was the fourth person on the volunteer team that night.

My three companions in the van were Marty, a Drug ARM volunteer who is also connected to the Maryborough Baptist Church. A retired Anglican minister and a representative from the Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre.

The van was packed with supplies, such as blankets and warm clothing; and Comfort Snack Packs provided by a Brethren charity.

It was also filled with the aromas of an assortment of beautiful hot meals cooked with love by kind members of the Maryborough Baptist Church. These meals included servings of beef lasagne; sausages & vegetables; and roast beef.

The cold night was a busy one, with each stop bringing us into contact with a waiting queue. In all, we made contact with about 40 people during the three-hour patrol, running from 5.30pm to 8.30pm.

On the first stop, I met a grandfather who at one stage had been sleeping in a tent with his three grandkids, as his son’s children had come under his care. Fortunately, they had been assisted into accommodation, however, he spoke to me about how good the Drug ARM service had been to him and the younger members of his family, providing them with blankets and other supplies, during that challenging time.

At that stop, our team performed a round-up, letting people sleeping in nearby tents and cars know that we had arrived. This brought a few more to our outreach vehicle where they received a hot meal and a wellbeing check-in.

At this time, a man who was living under a bridge, attended. He was obviously affected by substances and wearing very little clothing. Marty ensured he received some adequate clothes and we also gave him a cup of tea. He was ever so grateful for the company and care.

We also met a veteran, a man who had served his country in the Army. He was overly apologetic about his ongoing problem with alcohol. He was given a hot meal and was referred to veteran support services.

At our next stop, I met a man aged in his 20s, who told us of his problem with drugs. He was “very appreciative” of our attendance and support.

It was becoming obvious to me by now that our patrons harboured much respect and gratitude for our service and volunteers.

At our final stop, it was dark and unnerving. The outreach team expressed concerns about a woman who usually attended there for support, but on this occasion, hadn’t turned up. They knew she was sleeping rough nearby. On searching, they located her belongings, but she wasn’t with them. Still, a hot meal and a support card was left for her there, with a plan to check on her again, next patrol.

On my visit to Maryborough, I had started my day early and attended a lot of meetings and met a lot of people, however, without a doubt, accompanying the outreach team had been the highlight for me.

I found it very moving to interact with people so receptive to support and doing the best they could with the challenges they were enduring.

I also take my hat off to the selfless volunteers. The Drug ARM staff and volunteers are just completely in tune with the idea of doing all they can to be of service to others, which was marvellous to see and be part of for a night.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the Maryborough Baptist Church and the Wesleyan Methodist Church for enabling the program to be delivered in that town.

I also want to thank all the people who donate regularly or have donated to our Street Outreach Services. Without your support, our volunteers couldn’t do what they do.  

Lastly, thank you to the Maryborough team for having me along and giving me a greater appreciation and insight into this impactful, long-standing service, which is also currently delivered in Brisbane, Ipswich and Mackay.”

Brad Strong – Drug ARM Executive Director/CEO

 

If you would like to become an outreach volunteer, learn more. If you would like to support our Street Outreach Service, donate today.