DURING LOCKDOWN:

First Step will maintain our usual opening hours during lockdown (9-5pm M-F) 

If you have an appointment, you will be advised via text message the day before as to whether this appointment will be held via telehealth/phone or in person.

*If you have not received a message or are unsure whether you should attend, please call reception on 03 9537 3177

**If you have recently been to an exposure site, do not attend the clinic: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/exposure-sites

 

If you have any of the following symptoms, do not attend the clinic, instead please go to a corona virus testing site (link here):

  • Most common symptoms: fever, dry cough, tiredness
  • Less common symptoms: aches and pains, sore throat, diarrhoea, conjunctivitis, headache, loss of taste or smell, a rash on skin or discolouration of fingers or toes
  • Serious symptoms: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, loss of speech or movement

 

Please follow all Victorian Government Guidelines.  Stay Safe.  Help keep others safe.  We'll see you soon.

The Team at First Step

 

 

Please be aware of scam phone calls: First Step does not make phone calls asking for donations. If you receive a call or SMS from someone asking for donations on behalf of First Step, please don’t give them any personal information and consider reporting the call. Scamwatch has information about protecting yourself against scams.

Our Approach

Client Care

First Step Approach – Client Care Client care at First Step involves a fundamental focus on the well-being of clients read more...

Collaboration

First Step defines collaboration as bringing professional view-points from different areas of expertise together to better achieve a desired outcome read more...

Integration

First Step Approach – Integration Integration in the context of First Step refers to our commitment to ensure that each read more...

Contact

We’re a friendly bunch. Call us 03 9537 3177 or send us a message with a question or enquiry and we’ll get in touch.

*Note that if your query requires an urgent response or is medical in nature you should phone the clinic directly on the number listed below. 

 

Phone us: (03) 9537 3177

Fax us: (03) 9537 0133

Email us: [email protected]

Write to us: 42 Carlisle Street, St.Kilda VIC 3198

Connect on Facebook: @thefirststepprogram

Instagram: @firststepstkilda

LinkedIn: @firststepprogram 

Twitter: @firststeptweets

This has been an incredibly difficult year.  There is a lot of anxiety and fear about COVID-19 and the impact of the recession, so people look for different ways to cope.  We have already seen a change in the way people use alcohol and drugs.

Despite these challenges, we are continually heartened by the determination and courage of our clients who continue to seek support to overcome their mental illness and addiction.  

Alcohol and other drug treatments work when people can access the right kind of care at the right time, in the right place, and with clinical and social supports tailored to their needs.

This is our model, individualised and integrated, but we need your help to make sure it is available to all who need it.

Your donation will help us keep people connected, participating in society and taking control of their own lives. Our staff will support clients with a myriad of therapeutic supports as well as psycho-social support with eating well, sleeping well, keeping busy, exercising and having a purpose.

We stand together with people who are working hard to turn their lives around. 

Show your support by donating today.

 

From our Patron Rev. Tim Costello

My involvement with First Step began with the establishment of the clinic in July 2000, as one of the clinic’s founding directors. First Step was created to meet a need for low-cost, effective treatment options, primarily for people using heroin that would assist them to overcome their drug dependence. One person’s drug use can have an extraordinary ripple effect that takes in their immediate family, friends and the broader community.

First Step aims to provide the necessary support and treatment options, accessible to all, that enable those seeking the clinic’s assistance to live a life in all its fullness. In addition to a fervent belief in maintaining affordability. First Step is committed to treating people with the respect and compassion they deserve and working with them in engaging as fulfilled members of the community.