Two staff members at the Leeton Community Op Shop - Narelle Weymouth and Jacquie Birch - have been funded by Griffith City Council to complete training to deliver a unique program that aims at reducing problems and issues associated with addictions of all kinds.

One round of the SMART Recovery program has already been delivered to a small group of residents, with the next cycle having started on October 31.

SMART - self management and recovery training) is a free group program assisting in problematic behaviours, including addiction to drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, food, shopping, Internet and more.

Guided by Mrs Weymouth and Ms Birch, over the course of the program, the participants learn to help themselves and each other, using a variety of cognitive behaviour therapy and motivational tools and techniques.

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"It's the group helping the group ... we just guide the group," Mrs Weymouth said.

"They help each other with ideas and solutions. We all speak into it. It's really interactive and the group can really gel. It's also highly confidential.

"Being in a rural town we value privacy."

The program runs for six weeks during each block, meeting once a week for an hour-and-a-half.

When it is held again in the new year, the initiative will look at holding the meetings at different times of the day to help suit attendees busy lives.

The Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network has also come on board with funding for the program in Leeton.

"We see a need because of the drugs and alcohol problems in Leeton, but that's also not just what the program focuses on," Mrs Weymouth said.

"It's a modern way of looking at problems. We don't just identify someone by their addiction. You don't have to share the nitty gritty.

"You can solve a problem without that. It's about learning management and setting small goals."

Tarnya Meagher took part in the first session of the program and found it helped her manage issues associated with anxiety.

"It's been really, really helpful when it comes to my mental health," she said.

"I definitely recommend it. I found setting small goals really achievable."

Ms Meagher is now looking at becoming trained to help deliver the program as it continues to evolve each time.

Residents wanting more information about the program should contact Mrs Weymouth or Ms Birch on 6953 5664.

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