Health Minister Brad Hazzard opened the Orange-based drug and alcohol support program on Monday, which began in March and is the only one west of the Blue Mountains allowing children up to the age of 12 to stay with their mothers.

“It is critical that we support all mums and their children regardless of circumstance or location to ensure they have the best chance to succeed in life,” he said. 

Lives Lived Well’s NSW operations director, Ed Zarnow, said the live-in arrangement meant childcare responsibilities were not barriers for women seeking treatment.

“It’s a place where clients aren’t isolated and have the ability to work through their issues,” he said. 

Clients from Orange have been joined by others from Bathurst, Katoomba, Wellington, Minto, Narromine and Forbes.

If you or someone you know has a problem with drugs or alcohol, visit www.lyndon.org.au or call 1300 596 366.​