DRUG AND ALCOHOL DETOX CENTRE A FIRST FOR WOMEN

Canberra's new drug and alcohol detox facility is the first of its kind in
Australia providing assistance to mothers and their children.

Chief Minister Jon Stanhope was on hand to officially launch Lesley's Place
yesterday.

Many women with children find it difficult to obtain such support, but Mr
Stanhope said, "The opening of the service today represents a removal of a
major barrier for women."

Lesley's Place would provide outreach and residential services, and would
also assist in relapse prevention from drug and alcohol abuse. After-care
is also a major focus of the program.

The launch was one of the national focus activities for Drug Action Week,
run by the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia.

The name Lesley's Place comes from the work of the late Lesley Fraser who
was the founding member of detox support group Toora Incorporated.

Chairwoman of the ACT Women's Consultative Council and executive director
of Toora Women Incorporated Jacqui Pearce was also there to extend the
welcome. Ms Pearce said the program was "absolutely essential".