Connect Church, in partnership with Transformation Ministries International, has brought a residential rehabilitation program to Bendigo.

The service has nine beds and is only available to men, but there are plans to expand the program to women within the next year.

The Transformations program has been running in south-east Queensland for more than 13 years and is designed to help people with addictions and dysfunctional lifestyles to get a second chance at life.

Transformation Ministries International general manager Bennett Cain said the program was recognised nationally as an effective drug and alcohol treatment service.

“We are a Christian faith-based organisation, however we have a very holistic approach to recovery,” Mr Cain said.

“We now have five campuses in Australia and this is our first interstate campus – we have four campuses in south-east Queensland and we really have a heart for Victoria and regional Victoria.”

The Transformations program set up in Bendigo three months ago and, with everything now ready, Mr Cain is eager to open up the referral channels.

He said today’s official launch was an opportunity to inform other service providers and community agencies that rehabilitation beds were available for people in need.

Mr Cain said program participants would live in supported accommodation in Bendigo and they would be linked in with other programs and services including GPs and mental health workers.

“We came to Bendigo firstly because of our relationship with the Connect Church,” Mr Cain said.

“The senior pastor here has a real desire to see people reach their potential and for them to feel a sense of value ... that was very much in our vision. 

“This church is really proactive in wanting to make a difference.”

For more information about the program visit www.transformation.net.au or phone 5441 3133.