Caption: Lives Lived Well CEO, Mitchell Giles, headspace Caloundra Youth Advisory Council member, Matisse Passeggi Mash, headspace Caloundra Centre Manager, Angela Jenner and Country to Coast, QLD CEO Julie Sturgess celebrate the opening of the new Caloundra headspace.

A new headspace is now open to help young people aged 12 to 25 years with mental health, physical health (including sexual health) alcohol and other drug services, and work and study support.

Located at 3a/67 Bowman Road, Caloundra, on Kabi Kabi lands, headspace Caloundra is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, with funding administration by Country to Coast, QLD. Commissioned service provider not-for-profit Lives Lived Well operates the centre with a team of trained professionals ready to help young people to navigate life’s challenges.

Chief Executive of Country to Coast, QLD Julie Sturgess, said the headspace model understands that adolescence and early adulthood are critical times in a person’s life, and the care provided sets young people up to get things back on track heading into the future.

‘We know how important it is for young people to have support close to home, which is why we are delighted to see this headspace Caloundra offer walk-in, ‘no referral needed’ mental health and wellbeing support for young people in the area,’ said Ms Sturgess.

‘This is the third headspace service on the Sunshine Coast we have supported, complementing headspace Maroochydore and headspace Gympie, both operated by Youturn.

‘Our priority is to ensure that no matter where young people begin their help-seeking journey, they can access free or low-cost mental health support tailored to their needs when they need it.

‘I also congratulate Lives Lived Well, with support from headspace National, for designing the new centre with such strong input from young people in the Caloundra community, and their work leading outreach programs in the community and with local schools,’ Ms Sturgess said.
Centre operator, Lives Lived Well, is a not-for-profit organisation and a leading provider of alcohol and drug and mental health services and is already experienced with the headspace model as lead agency for two headspace centres on the Gold Coast.

Lives Lived Well Chief Executive Mitchell Giles said, ‘We’re excited to have opened doors on headspace Caloundra this week, offering young people a safe and welcoming space to access the support they need for their mental, physical, and social wellbeing.

‘Involving young people and stakeholders in shaping the centre was a priority for us. We’re proud to provide a supportive environment designed to help our young community thrive, and our passionate team is ready to make a difference.’

Mr Giles highlighted the impact of headspace services: ‘We’ve seen firsthand the life-changing difference headspace can make through our Southport and Upper Coomera centres. These services are vital for supporting the mental health of 12-25-year-olds and also for providing guidance and resources for their families and friends.’

‘We’ve been working closely with GPs, schools, and local organisations to establish strong referral pathways and are excited to collaborate with the Caloundra community to deliver these essential supports and help young people live their lives well,’ Mr Giles added.

headspace, Chief Operating Officer, Julia Smith said, ‘We’re extremely pleased to see mental health services for young people on the Sunshine Coast strengthened with headspace Caloundra now offering services to the local community, supported by strong headspace partners in Country to Coast and Lives Lived Well.

‘From this week, young people from the Caloundra community will have improved access to mental health, work and study, and alcohol and drug support. Importantly, we want to acknowledge the strong input of Caloundra’s young people in helping to design the new centre in a way that will support them and their community’s needs,’ Ms Smith added.

Young people aged 12 – 25 can access the headspace Caloundra centre Monday to Friday by; calling 07 5222 4009, attending the centre in person or referring via the website: headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/Caloundra/

Mental health emergency support services:

headspace is not a crisis or emergency service. For urgent mental health support, contact the 24/7 services:

• Kids Helpline | 1800 55 1800

• Lifeline | 13 11 14

• Beyond Blue | 1300 22 4636

• 13YARN | 13 02 76 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

If you need immediate help or are at risk of harm to yourself or others, always call Triple Zero (000).

Caption: The headspace Caloundra team outside the newly opened centre on Bowman Road. 

-ENDS-

Media contacts:  

Country to Coast, QLD
Ange Baldwin | 0455 721 483
media@c2coast.org.au

Lives Lived Well
Lisa Larkin
lisa.larkin@liveslivedwell.org.au

headspace National Media
0413 025 385
media@headspace.org.au

About Country to Coast, QLD  

Country to Coast, QLD is an independent, not-for-profit organisation committed to building healthy, connected and resilient communities across the Central Queensland, Wide Bay and Sunshine Coast regions. We deliver the Australian Government’s PHN Program and partner with health providers and the community to design and commission quality primary care services.

About Lives Lived Well 

Lives Lived Well is a not-for-profit healthcare provider that offers evidence-based services across Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia. The organisation specialises in supporting people with concerns related to alcohol and other drugs (AOD), mental health, transitioning from corrective services, veterans’ wellbeing and gambling. Lives Lived Well is the lead agency for headspace Southport and headspace Upper Coomera. Learn more at www.liveslivedwell.org.au.

About headspace 

headspace is Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation, providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds. Each year, headspace helps thousands of young people access vital support through our headspace centres in communities across Australia, our online and phone counselling services, our vocational services, and our presence in schools. headspace can help young people with mental health, physical health (including sexual health), alcohol and other drug services, and work and study support.

Lives Lived Well, a leading not-for-profit provider of alcohol and drug treatment and mental health services, welcomes the NSW Government’s $224 million investment in alcohol and other drug treatment services, with $157 million allocated to regional NSW. This funding is an important step in increasing support for communities in areas such as Far West NSW, the Hunter New England, and the Mid North Coast, where demand for services remains high.

Mitchell Giles, CEO of Lives Lived Well, said, “This investment is a significant boost for regional communities. Lives Lived Well has a long history of providing effective treatment and support in these areas, and we are eager to work with the government to ensure the funding meets the needs of the communities we serve.”

Lives Lived Well also emphasises the importance of sustainable, ongoing funding to ensure the long-term success of these services. “Residential rehabilitation services are essential for helping individuals rebuild their lives,” Giles said. “Ongoing investment not only maintains vital facilities but also supports the development and retention of a skilled workforce to deliver quality care across the state.”

For media inquiries, please contact:
Lisa Larkin, Marketing and Communications Manager, Lives Lived Well
lisa.larkin@liveslivedwell.org.au | marketing@liveslivedwell.org.au

Lives Lived Well’s Watershed residential service in Wollongong has completed a five-month renovation, creating a more comfortable and supportive space for people recovering from alcohol and drug dependency. At an Open Day on Monday 4 November 2024, around 80 attendees, including health professionals and community members from across New South Wales and beyond, toured the upgraded facility.

Enhanced facilities for clients and staff

One of the biggest changes is a new, dedicated residential building featuring five single rooms and four double rooms, replacing the former bunk-bed setup, which had a six-bed men’s room and a four-bed women’s room. Now, with separate wings for men and women, clients benefit from greater privacy and personal space, aligning with Watershed’s trauma-informed care approach and fostering a respectful, healing environment.

In addition to these residential improvements, the administration building has been extended to better support the staff who work tirelessly to aid recovery. Upgrades include a larger meeting and lunch area, a new sleepover room for staff on duty, and a more functional duty office. Together, these enhancements create a more efficient and supportive space for both clients and the team, ensuring everyone has the resources they need for a positive recovery experience.

Trusted recovery support

Watershed’s six-week residential rehabilitation program offers personalised treatment plans and case management to guide clients toward lasting recovery. Known for its holistic approach, the facility often receives referrals from across New South Wales, providing a trusted support option for people in need.

Supported by key partnerships

This renovation project was made possible by a substantial financial investment from Lives Lived Well, with additional funding and support from the Network of Alcohol and other Drugs Agencies (NADA), a Commonwealth Community Hub Grant, and the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Together, these partnerships have transformed Watershed into a more welcoming, functional facility for the benefit of the community.

Ready to start your journey?

For more information about our Watershed residential service visit our dedicated website page at https://www.liveslivedwell.org.au/our-services/live-in-recover/watershed/.

You don’t need a GP referral to access Watershed’s services. You can self-refer directly through our website at https://www.liveslivedwell.org.au/personal-referral/. If you’d prefer to speak with us, feel free to call our friendly Contact Team at 1300 727 957.

We also accept referrals from health professionals, community services, and government organisations. Referrals can be made online or sent by fax to 07 5546 8223.

Lives Lived Well, a leading not-for-profit organisation that supports people with alcohol and drug concerns, is calling for increased awareness and action in observance of International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), occurring this Saturday, August 31. This important day represents the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind.

IOAD was first initiated in 2001 by Sally J Finn at The Salvation Army in St Kilda, Melbourne. Since 2012, the day has been organised by the Penington Institute. IOAD serves to highlight the tragic impact of overdose deaths and to stress that such tragedies are preventable. It calls for increased awareness and emphasises the importance of sharing information about available support services.

Lives Lived Well offers a range of community and residential programs across Queensland and New South Wales, helping thousands of people each year to overcome challenges related to alcohol and drug use.

James Curtain, Clinical Director at Lives Lived Well, emphasised the significance of the day, saying, “International Overdose Awareness Day is a crucial moment for our community to reflect on the lives lost and the families impacted by overdose.”

The 2024 theme ‘Together we can’ highlights the power of our community when we all stand together.

“By coming together, we can support those affected and work towards a future free from the devastating impacts of overdose,” Mr Curtain said.

An overdose occurs when too much of a drug, medication or poison is taken, which may result in a toxic effect on the body.

“We’re talking about prescription medications as well here. It’s really important to follow prescribed dosages, know what drugs shouldn’t be mixed, and make sure you ask for help if you’re struggling to manage your drug use,” Mr Curtain said.

“Understanding the signs of an overdose and knowing when to seek help can be lifesaving.”

In a medical emergency, go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call an ambulance (dial 000). Emergency assistance is necessary if someone is unconscious or showing symptoms such as seizures, severe headaches, chest pain, breathing difficulties, extreme paranoia, agitation, or confusion. Even a few of these signs can indicate a serious medical emergency that requires urgent attention.

To learn more about International Overdose Awareness Day, find local events, and access additional resources, visit www.overdoseday.com.

If you or your family need support for alcohol or drug concerns, contact Lives Lived Well at 1300 727 957 or visit www.liveslivedwell.org.au.

-ENDS-

Note to Editors:

Language is powerful—especially when discussing alcohol and other drugs and the people who use them. Stigmatising language reinforces negative stereotypes. “Person-centred” language focuses on the person, not their substance use.

Language matters was developed by NADA and NUAA, in consultation with non-government AOD workers and people who use drugs.

Mindframe is another key source of information on safe media reporting. The suite of Mindframe national guidelines were developed to support safe and accurate media reporting, portrayal, and communication of suicide, mental ill-health and Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking behaviour.

For all Lives Lived Well media inquiries, please contact:

Lisa Larkin, Marketing and Communications Manager, Lives Lived Well

E. lisa.larkin@liveslivedwell.org.au M. 0428 433 572