Workforce Development - Anex Training
Anex Education and Training Program
There are a range of health and community organisations across Australia that provide Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) services. These organisations provide sterile injecting equipment, counselling and information as well as referral to many health and support services. To help meet the training and professional development needs of NSP staff and related workers, Anex offers an extensive Education and Training Program.
The training sessions are offered FREE OF CHARGE to Victorian NSP staff, supported by funding from the Victorian Department of Human Services. We also offer affordable training to NSP staff in other jurisdictions and for the broader community, welfare and allied health sectors.
For more information, see the sections below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Available Modules
Bookings and Further Information
Additional Training
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I start?
If you have not attended Anex training before, the ‘Introduction to NSPs’ is a great place to start. This session offers new workers a solid introduction to NSP services and the role of the NSP in protecting public health. It can also act as a ‘refresher’ for more experienced workers.
Who runs the training?
Anex has a team of qualified, experienced and enthusiastic trainers with experience in health, NSPs, Alcohol and Other Drugs, primary health care, family services, youth justice, nursing and mental health.
Can I receive Anex Training locally?
If there are an adequate number of participants, and your organisation runs an NSP, Anex will deliver training at your service. Anex also runs some sessions from its office in Melbourne and in major regional centres. Call Anex for more details. 03 9486 6399
Does Anex provide tailored training sessions?
Anex can provide advanced training sessions and/or sessions tailored to your services’ specific needs.
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Available Modules
INTRODUCTION TO NSPs
Delivering NSP services can be challenging and there are a number of perspectives on the role of harm reduction programs. This session provides an overview of NSPs including:
- The history and rationale behind NSPs and Harm Minimisation
- The financial, social and health benefits of the provision of sterile injecting equipment
- The prevention, transmission and treatment of Blood Borne Viruses
- Safe retrieval and disposal of discarded injecting equipment
- Operational aspects of effective service delivery
DRUG IDENTIFICATION AND INFORMATION
Given the many names and different forms a drug can take within most drug categories, it is useful for health and community services staff to possess a sound understanding of drug use and the potential impacts. This session seeks to equip participants with skills to identify a range of licit and illicit drugs and their effects. It includes:
- Drug identification and classifications
- Key definitions
- Routes of administration
- Drug effects of the more commonly used substances
ENGAGEMENT, COMMUNICATION AND CHALLENGING BEHAVIOURS
Effective engagement and communication is the foundation for successful provision of NSP services. There may be occasions where staff come across behaviours that are challenging and require intervention. This session looks at:
- Effective communication skills
- Negotiation, problem solving and conflict resolution
- Recognising and responding to challenging behaviours
- Risk management and self care
VEIN CARE AND INJECTING RELATED HEALTH ISSUES
The intravenous administration of drugs bypasses the protective filtering mechanisms of the gastrointestinal tract, lungs or skin. A range of health issues that can contribute to significant harms will be explored including:
- Injecting techniques
- Routes of drug administration
- Recognising injecting related health concerns
- Prevention of blood borne virus transmission and bacterial or fungal infections
BRIEF/OPPORTUNISTIC INTERVENTIONS
The opportunity to provide health information and education in the NSP setting can arise without warning. It is important for staff to be able to identify these opportunities and utilise these brief interactions to enhance the professional relationships with service users. This session will:
- Identify key principles for providing brief or opportunistic interventions
- Explore the ‘stage of change’ model and its application in frontline settings
- Highlight the principles and benefits of identifying motivations for behaviour change
WORKING WITH INTOXICATED SERVICE USERS
Working with clients who are substance affected can sometimes be challenging. This session provides participants with the knowledge and skills to:
- Recognise the signs and symptoms of intoxication with different drugs
- Work with intoxicated clients in a safe and effective manner
- Apply duty of care and ethical practice principles
- Implement emergency responses as appropriate
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Booking and Further Information
For further information, to book training or to discuss your particular needs, contact Anex training staff on ph: (03) 9486 6399 or email the training team at Anex.
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Additional Training
Additional training available includes sessions on:
- Amphetamine Type Stimulants
- Blood Borne Viruses and Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Health Promotion
- Infection Control and Safe Handling of Sharps
- Drug Treatment Options, including Pharmacotherapies
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