Housing & Homelessness
Alcohol & Other drugs
Domestic & Family Violence
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Alcohol & Other Drugs
We support women who are using alcohol or other drugs (AOD) and want to make a change—on their own terms. Whether you’re looking to reduce use, manage relapse, or explore recovery, we’re here to help.
When women reach out, we show up.
In the 2024/25 Financial Year:
Women supported through our Alcohol and Other Drug services.
Women supported in AOD Residential Rehabilitation.
%
Women reported a reduction in alcohol and other drugs use.
Who this helps
Women experiencing problematic or dependent use of alcohol or other drugs.
Those navigating mental health issues alongside substance use.
Women impacted by domestic or family violence and AOD use.
Women at risk of homelessness due to AOD-related challenges.
Mothers or pregnant women needing safe, non-judgemental support.
Referral
Self-refer by calling Toora on (02) 6122 7000 or completing our referral form.
Referrals are also accepted from health, community or judicial services.
Eligibility
For women, female-identifying and non-binary people (18+) in the ACT.
Cost
No cost to access case management, outreach or counselling.
Day program: Clients need to supply their own lunch.
Residential program: Rent is income-based. Financial assistance may be available.
What we offer
Learn about our programs & services
What to expect
We work with you at your pace, offering respectful, woman-centred care. You’ll never be judged or forced into a one-size-fits-all model. Our team creates a personalised support plan that builds safety, connection and long-term change.
Common questions
No. You can self-refer by contacting Toora directly. Referrals from health and community services are also welcome, but you don’t need a doctor’s letter or diagnosis to reach out.
Yes. All counselling, outreach, and day programs are free. Residential programs have rent set on an income-based scale. Your privacy and safety are our priority—we don’t share your information without your consent, unless required by law to keep you or others safe.
Yes. Children up to the age of three may be allowed to live with you at Lesley’s Place. Babies under 12 months may also attend the Day Program with approval from the coordinator.
We support women impacted by any substance, including alcohol, methamphetamine, cannabis, opioids, prescription medications, and polysubstance use. You don’t need to meet a threshold of use to access support—if you’re concerned about your substance use, we can help.
Yes. You don’t need to be abstinent or ready to quit to access counselling, outreach, or day programs. We’ll work with you to set goals that feel right for you, whether that’s reducing harm, preparing for change, or maintaining recovery.
It depends on your recovery goals. The rehabilitation program is a minimum 3 month program. As you progress through the program phases, you may decide to remain in the residential program for up to 12 months.
Counselling is one-on-one support focused on your personal goals and coping strategies, usually in weekly sessions. The Day Program is group-based, running three days a week for eight weeks, with structured sessions on relapse prevention, parenting, mindfulness, and life skills.
Yes. All Toora programs are delivered within a trauma-informed, strengths-based framework. We understand the impact of violence, trauma and substance use, and provide inclusive support for women from all backgrounds, including culturally and linguistically diverse communities and those without permanent residency.
We are also committed to cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, guided by our Reconciliation Action Plan. This means partnering with First Nations communities, training our staff, and creating spaces where culture, family and community are respected.
Cultural safety is not just a principle at Toora — it’s an ongoing commitment woven through our governance, workforce, and everyday practice.
We’ll respond to you as soon as possible. Wait times depend on the program, but our intake team will talk through your needs right away and connect you to the most suitable support—whether that’s immediate counselling, outreach, or planning for the next available residential place.
Ready to talk
Start with a call or referral—our team will guide you through the next steps.
Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Counselling
Our counselling service offers free, confidential one-on-one sessions with a qualified counsellor. Sessions run for up to 12 weeks, with extensions available if needed.
Support is person-centred, strengths-based and trauma-informed. Counsellors are trained in evidence-based approaches such as motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy and cognitive behavioural therapies.
Support is available individually, and group settings may also be offered. Sessions are available in Civic, with flexible appointment times and the option for outreach visits if you’d like us to come to you.
What this offers
- Support to change behaviours and habits
- Coping strategies for daily challenges
- Relapse prevention and motivation
- Goal setting and self-awareness
- Flexible delivery, including outreach sessions if needed
Who is eligible?
Women, non-binary and other feminine-identifying people aged 18+ who are impacted by alcohol or other drug use, whether starting or continuing recovery.
Cost
Counselling packages up to 12 weeks are free. Further appointments are negotiable based on the needs of our clients.
Cancellations
We require 24 hours’ notice for cancellations to ensure you receive your full treatment package. If notice is not given, then the session will be deducted from your agreed number of sessions.
Referral process
Self-refer by calling Toora on (02) 6122 7000 or completing our referral form.
Referrals are also accepted from health or community services.
Alcohol and Other Drug Outreach Programs
Our Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Outreach Programs provides flexible support in the community, at Toora, or over the phone—wherever feels right for you. Each woman is paired with a dedicated AOD case coordinator to set personal goals and build an individual treatment plan.
Support is available if you’re starting recovery, continuing after residential treatment, or leaving prison. The program also includes up to eight weeks of additional case management after residential programs, so you stay supported as you transition. Our team can meet one-on-one, in groups, or provide in-reach to facilities like the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) and local detox units.
What this offers
- Specialist case coordination tailored to your recovery goals.
- Relapse prevention groups, including SMART Recovery, Methamphetamine Program, and Naloxone training.
- Counselling and detox information.
- Smoking cessation and health promotion support.
- An additional eight weeks of case management after completing a residential program.
Who is eligible?
Women, non-binary and other feminine-identifying people aged 18+ in the ACT who are impacted by alcohol or drug use and want flexible, ongoing support.
Cost
The Outreach program is free.
Referral process
Self-refer by calling Toora on (02) 6122 7000 or completing our referral form.
Referrals from health and community partners are also accepted.
Specialist programs
- AOD Outreach program: flexible, client-led support in community or group settings.
- Pathways from Prison: tailored support for women in or leaving the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC).
Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Day Program
The AOD Day Program is an eight-week, evidence-based group program. It combines education, relapse prevention and practical tools to support women in building healthier routines and living free from alcohol and other drugs. Babies under 12 months may also attend with approval from the program coordinator.
Each participant is supported by their own case coordinator to create an individual treatment plan and access wraparound supports. The program provides a safe, respectful environment where women can learn from each other, strengthen coping skills, and build confidence to make positive changes. External agencies also deliver sessions on health, wellbeing and recovery to give participants broader tools for their journey.
What this offers
- Education on how alcohol and other drugs affect body and mind
- Practical tools to cut down or stop use
- Relapse prevention and motivational techniques
- Mindfulness, communication, and relationship skills
- Parenting support and family-of-origin exploration
- Peer support in a safe, respectful group environment
Who is eligible
Women, non-binary and other feminine-identifying people aged 18+ who are living in stable accommodation and able to commit to full 8-week program.
Cost
The AOD Day Program is free. Participants will be required to bring their own lunch. Light refreshments are provided.
Referral process
Self-refer by calling Toora on (02) 6122 7000 or completing our referral form.
Residential Health Treatment Program
Toora’s Residential Health Treatment Program provides safe housing and structured support for women who are ready to focus on recovery after completing withdrawal.
Withdrawal can occur within a supervised inpatient setting or community-based setting.
Lesley’s Place is a 3 to 12 month residential rehabilition program, offering support to women at the beginning of the recovery who have completed a substance withdrawal.
Marzenna House offers longer-term support to women who have established recovery for at least three months. The maximum stay with Marzenna House is 12 months.
What it offers
- Short-term and longer-term specialist AOD treatment and support in shared residential settings.
- Case management, personalised goal and treatment planning.
- Specialist counselling and relapse prevention.
- Access to Toora’s AOD Day Program.
- Smoking cessation, health screening and external health supports.
- Advocacy and liaison with services, including GPs, community mental health, and ACT Housing.
- Support with other goals such as family restoration, and housing.
Who is eligible
- Women 18+, with or without children (up to 3yrs) in the ACT.
- Participants will be screened and must complete withdrawal and provide a negative negative drug/alcohol result on entry.
- Women on pharmacotherapies accepted.
Cost
Rent is set as per Toora’s Housing Factsheet. Women in our accommodation are eligible for Rent Assistance from Centrelink. Case management services are free.
Referral process
Self-refer by calling Toora on (02) 6122 7000 or completing our referral form.