Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) / Hope and Healing
Family Services supervises and supports the Church’s Addiction Recovery Program (ARP), also known locally as “Hope and Healing” Groups. This program is modelled after the Alcoholics Anonymous 12 Step Program and provides weekly support meetings for those who are striving to overcome addictions and other behaviours. This powerful spiritual program focuses on providing a non-judgmental environment and group support of participants as they utilise the Atonement of Jesus Christ to make changes in their lives. Find out more about Addiction Recovery Program.
Some of the behaviours targeted by this program, include, but are not limited to: alcohol abuse; drug use; prescription drug abuse; tobacco, vaping, tea and coffee use; compulsive over or under eating; pornography; unwanted sexual behaviours; co-dependency; gambling; and excessive internet or computer gaming use. Participants are encouraged to attend with a support person (family member, ministering brother or sister, friend or church leader). Participants under the age of 16 years may not attend. Those aged 16-17 need to be accompanied by an adult aged 18+. Participants are welcome to attend any of the scheduled meetings without needing to make prior arrangements.
The ARP manual is available as a PDF in English, Samoan and Tongan.
In Queensland, group meetings are currently running in Gold Coast, Coomera, Centenary, Cleveland, Brisbane and Brisbane North Stakes, and in Mackay. Find a meeting near you.
Spouse and Family Support Guide
The Spouse and Family Support Guide is a workbook especially designed to support those affected by the addiction or disruptive behaviours of a spouse or family member. Family members may participate in ARP/Hope and Healing Group meetings but are also encouraged to make use of the Spouse and Family Support Guide.
Strengthening Marriage and Strengthening the Family Courses
Family Services trains instructors to teach the Strengthening Marriage and the Strengthening the Family (parenting) courses within Church units. Church members may view copies of the manuals in the Gospel Library app or on the church website. These courses are valuable resources for Stake and Ward Self-Reliance Committees, church leaders, ministers and families to help strengthen marriages and families. Find out more about Strengthening Marriages and Families.
Strengthening Marriage is available in English, Tongan and Samoan.
This 7 week course was developed to help spouses develop and maintain an enriching relationship with each other. The course covers six topics: “Applying Gospel Principles,” “Communicating with Love,” “Fostering Equality and Unity,” “Overcoming Anger,” “Resolving Conflict,” and “Enriching Marriage.”
Strengthening the Family is available in English, Tongan and Samoan.
This course was developed to help Church members understand the principles of effective parenting and improve parenting skills. The course covers nine topics: “Parenting Principles and Practices,” “Understanding Child Development,” “Communicating with Love,” “Nurturing Children,” “Fostering Confidence,” “Overcoming Anger,” “Resolving Conflict,” “Teaching Responsible Behaviour,” and “Applying Consequences.”
Emotional Wellness and Self-Reliance Courses
Coming Soon
Useful Local Resources
(To help Qld-based members and leaders access general health and well-being information or services – please note these services are not necessarily endorsed by Family Services)
Queensland Community Directory - https://www.mycommunitydirectory.com.au/Queensland
Lifeline Service Finder – use this searchable database to find government, health or community services near you - https://lifeline.serviceseeker.com.au/
Relationships Australia Queensland - https://www.raq.org.au/
Lifeline –crisis support - 13 11 14 or https://www.lifeline.org.au/
SANE – mental illness information - https://www.sane.org/
Suicide Callback Service – 1300 659 467 or https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/
Queensland Alcohol and Drug Information Service – Alcohol and drug treatment
1800 177 833 or http://www.health.qld.gov.au/
DRUGARM - http://www.drugarm.com.au/
Headspace – youth mental health - http://www.headspace.org.au/
Beyond Blue - https://beyondblue.org.au
Youth Beyond Blue - https://www.youthbeyondblue.com/
Bravehearts – child sexual assault support and counselling - https://bravehearts.org.au
Living Well – male survivors of sexual assault - https://livingwell.org.au/
Queensland Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline –
1800 010 120
Parent Connect – parents of children with disabilities - http://www.parentconnect.org.au/
Autism Queensland - https://autismqld.com.au/
Bush Kids - https://www.bushkids.org.au/
Queensland Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women https://www.csyw.qld.gov.au/
RuralAid - https://www.ruralaid.org.au/
Mensline – https://www.mensline.org.au
Mens Referral Service - https://www.ntv.org.au/
DV Connect - http://www.dvconnect.org/
Queensland Eating Disorder Service -
https://www.qld.gov.au/health/services/specialists/queensland-eating-disorder-service-queds
Eating Disorders Qld -
https://eatingdisordersqueensland.org.au/
Butterfly Foundation – eating disorders - https://thebutterflyfoundation.org.au/