be a main reason for accessing services.
Methamphetamines were added in the list of illicit
substances being used. The issue of methamphetamines has
been discussed in a number of different forums across the
municipality and data has shown that there is an increase in
the use of this substance. Between 2011-12 and 2012-13,
the number of methamphetamine related ambulance
attendances increased by 88% in metropolitan Melbourne
and nearly 200% in regional Victoria. During this time,
methamphetamine related emergency department
presentations rose 20%.6 This is attributed to an increase in
the number of attendances relating to crystal
methamphetamine (ice). Ice (crystal methamphetamine) is
the 4th most common drug involved in ambulance
attendances, following alcohol, benzodiazepines and nonopioid analgesics (such as paracetamol)7. By adding this
question we hope to gain greater understanding of the
degree to which this may be impacting clients’ needs to
access emergency relief.
Survey Population
Between September 22 2014 and January 27 2015 when the
surveys took place, a total of 587 ER assessments were
conducted. Of these, 254 people participated in the surveys,
a take up rate of 43%.
Number of survey respondents for each report since 2002
2002
2006
2010
2014
258
271
261
254
Methodology
This survey was conducted by two social work students on
placement at WCC and supervised by WCC’s social work
qualified caseworker. The role of these students was to
introduce the survey and to assist clients (if required) in
completing this survey. This was a decision made
consciously by WCC to make a clear distinction between the
ER assessment and the survey to reinforce to participants
that their survey responses would not affect eligibility for
ER. The surveys were carried out over a 4 month period
from mid September 2014 to mid January 2015. This
timeframe coincides with eligibility period for accessing ER8
to ensure returning clients would not be asked to complete
the survey twice.
Clients willing to participate in the survey were introduced
to the students at the conclusion of their ER assessment.
They were informed of the voluntary, anonymous and
confidential nature of the survey; that it would not affect
the clients access to Emergency Relief at Whittlesea
Community Connections; and the length of time required to
complete the survey. Clients were given a choice of
completing the survey on the day or could complete it in
their own time either online via a hyperlink given to them or
a paper based survey with a stamped self addressed
envelope.
6
State Government Victoria (2015), https://4a5b508b5f92124e39ffccd8d0b92a93a9c1ab1bc91ad6c9bfdb.ssl.cf4.rackcdn.com/2015/03/IceAction-Plan-Final-Summary-Document-Web-Version.pdf
7
Australian Drug Foundation, http://www.druginfo.adf.org.au/topics/quickstatistics#amphetamines
8
This was previously 3 months
8