Hope Springs Therapeutic Community recently welcomed visitors from around the State as part of its 2024 Open Day.

More than 50 health professionals and services providers attended the event, taking the opportunity to learn more about the therapeutic community model of care and the way it supports residents.

Residents at heart of event

Residents worked hard both in the lead up to the event, and on the day itself. Ahead of the day the Hope Springs team and residents worked on the property to ensure it was in top shape, converted the recreation centre into an impressive event space and planned and prepped a restaurant-quality lunch menu.

The 2024 Open Day itself was incredibly busy, especially for the residents. From catering the outstanding lunch to leading tours of the facility to sharing their own insights and experiences on recovery, the residents were involved in every part of the day.

“The residents deserve the credit for the day’s success,” said Therapeutic Community Manager Mohammed Anwaar. “They worked extremely hard to ensure our guests were looked after.”

“We have had nothing but positive feedback from those who attended.”

Challenging stigma

The 2024 Open Day was the second time the event has been held, and Mohammed said it had become an important day on the Hope Springs calendar.

“Bringing these guests into our community is about more than showing them what we do here,” he explained. “When our guests talk to our residents and hear their stories, what they quickly come to realise is that they are just people, like anyone else.

“These conversations and interactions go a long way to addressing the stigma that still surrounds addiction. Challenging that stigma is ultimately what the Open Day is about.”

Marking a milestone

The 2024 Open Day also doubled as a celebration for the wider HOPE organisation.

This year HOPE marks 120 years of serving the WA community, and throughout 2024 we will be celebrating our history at events across the State.

A special historical display – complete with old meeting minutes and campaign materials – was on show, allowing residents and guests alike to learn more about HOPE and its long-standing commitment to the WA community.

Hope Springs Therapeutic Community is a long-term residential rehabilitation facility for those on their alcohol and other drug (AOD) recovery journey. It is one of many AOD programs and services provided by Hope Community Services across WA.