Recovery centre launched to help youths overcome substance abuse

A new residential recovery programme aimed at helping adolescent boys affected by alcohol and drug abuse has been launched in Lautoka, providing specialised support for young people struggling with addiction.

The Na Sala Vou Residential Recovery Programme was officially established yesterday following the signing of an implementation agreement between Empower Pacific chief executive officer Patrick Morgam and Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran at the Empower Pacific office in Lautoka.

The 12-week programme is designed to provide a structured pathway to recovery and social reintegration for young boys affected by alcohol and drug-related issues.

It will be delivered in three phases — stabilisation, therapeutic intervention and reintegration.

Mr Morgam expressed appreciation for the funding support provided by the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection.

He said the programme would offer a safe and supportive environment, along with specialised mental health services tailored to the needs of participants.

He added that Empower Pacific expects to complete the setup of the new rehabilitation facility within the coming weeks before enrolling participants.

The programme will include relapse prevention strategies, safe exit planning and referrals to community-based recovery services.

Families are encouraged to bring affected children for counselling, registration and participation in the three-month programme.

Mr Morgam also revealed that 26 Empower Pacific counsellors had received specialised training in New Zealand to prepare for the initiative.

Minister Kiran described the agreement as a life-saving and dignity-restoring measure for vulnerable young people.

She highlighted the growing challenge of youth substance abuse, the weakening of traditional support systems and the shortage of specialised treatment services as key reasons for establishing the facility.

The programme combines evidence-based rehabilitation practices with Fijian cultural values and places strong emphasis on family involvement, holistic recovery and relapse prevention.

The Government has allocated initial funding for two months and will monitor the programme's performance during its first three months to assess the possibility of extending and expanding the initiative.

The recovery programme is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Health, social welfare agencies, faith-based organisations, traditional leaders and the Vanua, ensuring cultural relevance and community participation.

Minister Kiran said lessons learned from the pilot project would help shape future national strategies for addressing youth substance abuse.

She also acknowledged Empower Pacific's leadership in mental health counselling and community outreach, noting its significant role in supporting affected families.

The new recovery facility, located at Simla in Lautoka, is expected to serve as a model for holistic, community-driven rehabilitation services across Fiji.