Turning Screens into Circles: Harm Reduction and Connection Online
Tracks
Prince Room - In-Person & Virtual
| Thursday, May 28, 2026 |
| 11:05 AM - 11:25 AM |
Overview
Michelle Lumb, Directions Health Services Ltd
Details
Three Key Learnings
1. Digital harm reduction programs increase access and inclusion for people in rural areas, parents, neurodiverse participants, and those with legal or mobility barriers. The model offers practical flexibility and reduces stigma.
2. The model supports individuals to make more manageable choices that reduce the risk associated with substance use, encouraging more attainable steps to recovery.
3. Connection, trust, and safety can be built online when sessions are structured, consistent, and run with empathy and humour. Innovation in services works best when leadership supports flexibility, co-design, and inclusion, allowing programs to fit around people’s lives.
1. Digital harm reduction programs increase access and inclusion for people in rural areas, parents, neurodiverse participants, and those with legal or mobility barriers. The model offers practical flexibility and reduces stigma.
2. The model supports individuals to make more manageable choices that reduce the risk associated with substance use, encouraging more attainable steps to recovery.
3. Connection, trust, and safety can be built online when sessions are structured, consistent, and run with empathy and humour. Innovation in services works best when leadership supports flexibility, co-design, and inclusion, allowing programs to fit around people’s lives.
Speaker
Ms Michele Lumb
Programs Facilitator/ Aod Case Manager
Directions Health Services Ltd
Turning Screens into Circles: Harm Reduction and Connection Online
Abstract
Directions’ Online Day Program was developed by our Pathways Murrumbidgee service and launched in February 2025 to make structured AOD support more accessible for people who face barriers to attending traditional or abstinence-based programs.
Many participants live in rural areas, are parents/carers, have physical/mental health challenges, or have been excluded from services because of legal status or risk. The program provides a safe, flexible, and inclusive way for people to engage in meaningful recovery work from home.
Delivered three days per week over eight weeks, the program combines psychoeducation, mindfulness, and peer connection within a trauma-informed, harm reduction framework. Participants set their own goals, focusing on safety and manageability - whether it’s reducing use, reducing harms, stabilising, or abstinence - and develop practical strategies to improve wellbeing and maintain change.
Program outcomes have been strong:
49% reduction in psychological distress
75% reduction in substance dependence symptoms
22% increase in quality of life
29% improvement in mental health
38% improvement in physical health
Client-reported confidence in recovery averaged 9.3 out of 10 at the end of the program
Participant feedback described the group as “safe,” “inclusive,” and “life-changing.”
One participant shared, “Previous rehabs felt fear-based and triggering. This program felt safe, supportive, and empowering.”
From the initial intake of 5 participants at launch to 22 in the current intake, the Online Day Program has gained traction in the community, often by word of mouth. 75% of participants who commenced the program, completed it. This reflects how connection, consistency, and trust form quickly and keep people engaged.
Many participants live in rural areas, are parents/carers, have physical/mental health challenges, or have been excluded from services because of legal status or risk. The program provides a safe, flexible, and inclusive way for people to engage in meaningful recovery work from home.
Delivered three days per week over eight weeks, the program combines psychoeducation, mindfulness, and peer connection within a trauma-informed, harm reduction framework. Participants set their own goals, focusing on safety and manageability - whether it’s reducing use, reducing harms, stabilising, or abstinence - and develop practical strategies to improve wellbeing and maintain change.
Program outcomes have been strong:
49% reduction in psychological distress
75% reduction in substance dependence symptoms
22% increase in quality of life
29% improvement in mental health
38% improvement in physical health
Client-reported confidence in recovery averaged 9.3 out of 10 at the end of the program
Participant feedback described the group as “safe,” “inclusive,” and “life-changing.”
One participant shared, “Previous rehabs felt fear-based and triggering. This program felt safe, supportive, and empowering.”
From the initial intake of 5 participants at launch to 22 in the current intake, the Online Day Program has gained traction in the community, often by word of mouth. 75% of participants who commenced the program, completed it. This reflects how connection, consistency, and trust form quickly and keep people engaged.
Biography
Michele Lumb is a Programs Facilitator with Pathways Murrumbidgee, Directions Health Services. With experience across detox, residential, and community AOD services, she leads the Pathways Murrumbidgee Online Day Program; an innovative, harm-reduction-focused course increasing access for people who face barriers to traditional care. Michele is a strong advocate for harm reduction, equity, and connection, believing people have the right to use drugs and still access compassionate, evidence-based support.
