It has been established by Lynn Field of the Nguumambiny Indigenous Corporation after the success of a similar women’s program, known as Rough Diamonds.

The 12-week program aims to deal with a number of issues that people struggle with and Field has used her vast knowledge and extensive contacts to ensure those who enrol get the best possible assistance.

“We started the Rough Diamonds program as a way of helping women get their life back on track after overcoming drug addiction or domestic violence and what we have found is there is a need for a similar program for men,” Ms Field said.

“What we aim to do with these programs is make them a one-stop shop for people, we cover everything from dealing with self-esteem issues, through anger management, relapse prevention and financial management.

“The other advantage to a program like this is everyone supports each other and creates a network, which helps the men.”

Ms Field has been assisted in creating Uncut Opals by Nguumambiny support worker Ben Williams, who believes the program has a lot to offer.

“One of the big issues that has to be overcome is the issue of shame. There is a perception men aren’t supposed to show their emotions and they should just bottle them up but that’s not right,” Mr Williams said.

“Shame doesn’t come into it and everybody should have the right to get their life back on track.”

Ms Field said more effort needed to be put into helping children who had grown up in terrible circumstances because they were at serious risk of developing a drug habit.

“There is a higher correlation between addiction and childhood trauma than there is between diabetes and obesity,” Ms Field said.

“We should be trying to address the issues that lead to addiction because it is better to help the child before the addiction than have to help the man afterwards. It is still possible but it takes time, effort and dedication.”

Luke Fisher is one of the participants in Uncut Opals. He met Ms Field while participating in another one of Nguumambiny’s programs and jumped at the opportunity to be part of this one because he could see the value in it.

“Everyone is treated as an equal. It’s a very non-judgemental environment and the program has been devised to tackle the important issues,” Mr Fisher said.

The program is being supported by Dubbo RSL Memorial Club and Ms Field said without their support, Nguumambiny would not be in a position to help anyone.

Anyone interested in  the Uncut Opals program or looking for more information can call Lynn Field on 0413 294 801 or Ben Williams on 0429 087 169.