Croydon's Elishacare helping addicts become sober

WHEN Danny Sharp first came to Croydon's Elisha­care, he was addicted to drugs and alcohol, but he's turned his life around.

WHEN Danny Sharp first came to Croydon's Elisha­care, he was addicted to drugs and alcohol, and had lost contact with his family.

"It was probably my last option," Mr Sharp, from Lilydale, said.

"My partner at the time, she had heard about Elishacare, got the number, gave it to me and said, 'do something about your life'."

Three of the toughest years of his life later, Mr Sharp was sober.

Elishacare is the brainchild of former pastor Geoff Marsh.

Mr Marsh started the community group eight years ago as a regular meeting in coffee shops and it has grown to include houses for supported accommodation, a business providing garden and building maintenance, support groups and more.

Mr Marsh said Elishacare was for people, mainly men, with addictions who were motivated to become sober.

"It's anything, a lot of alcohol, a lot of heroin, speed and marijuana," he said.

"We would go to court with guys when they need support - we just spend as much time with people as possible so they have someone to hang out with."

Members also spend time helping people in the community and once they are no longer addicts, they can work in the business.

Mr Sharp is now the garden and building maintenance co-ordinator.

"They just love helping others, it's so good for their recovery," Mr Marsh said.

Elishacare has just moved into the old Croydon fire station in Croydon Rd.

For details, contact Geoff Marsh on 0417 393 014