New program helps support the mental health of underserviced communities

New program helps support the mental health of underserviced communities

Lives Lived Well is now offering a free, evidence-based mental health program aimed at supporting individuals in underserviced communities within the Darling Downs and West Moreton region.

Funded by the Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN, the initiative, known as Targeted Psychological Therapies (TPT), helps reduce barriers to mental health care through having highly skilled mental health professionals provide tailored, short-term interventions.

Lives Lived Well Clinical Service Manager Lindsay McMahon explained that eligible individuals can access five complimentary sessions with qualified mental health professionals, when facilitated through a GP Mental Health Program.

“In recent times, we have all become more aware of our own mental health and we might need some extra support. With this program, we are proud to support the community through our network of mental health professionals at no cost to the individuals accessing our service” Mr McMahon said.

GPs act as the primary referral pathway for individuals accessing the TPT Program.

The five sessions are designed to address a broad spectrum of mental health needs with the program’s primary focus being on supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, individuals at risk of suicide or self-harm, and people experiencing financial disadvantage.

If treatment is deemed necessary and clinically appropriate patients can access a further five sessions at no cost*

Mr McMahon emphasised the importance of people initiating mental health conversations with GPs, stating, “When we take time to look after our mental health, we can be there for our families and others by building our resilience and to better cope with the everyday stresses of life”

“If you need support, please ask your GP about TPT,” he said.

To learn more about the Targeted Psychological Therapies (TPT) program, please visit our website at https://www.liveslivedwell.org.au/our-services/mental-health/targeted-psychological-therapies/.

For all media enquiries please contact:
Lives Lived Well Marketing team by emailing [email protected]

Enhanced support for aged care residents

Enhanced support for aged care residents

Lives Lived Well has recently introduced an exciting new program designed to assist residents in nurturing their mental health and wellbeing.

The Residential Aged Care Home (RACH) Group Program is a free initiative, made possible through funding by the Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN.

Karla Smith, Team Leader for Clinical Services at Lives Lived Well, said the response to the introduction of the program over the past month has been remarkably positive.

“Mental health is a critical aspect of overall health and wellbeing, and its significance remains unchanged, regardless of age or living arrangements,” she said.

“Our team of experienced and qualified facilitators is committed to ensuring the participants receive the best support possible.

“They are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of aged care residents.”

Available in towns across the Darling Downs and West Moreton region, the RACH Group Program spans six sessions, making it an accessible and comprehensive resource for residents in need of support.

Each session aims to empower and support residents on their mental health journey, addressing unhelpful thinking patterns, developing effective coping skills, building self-confidence, and helping them set meaningful goals for the future. The initiative strives to create a supportive environment where individuals can improve their overall wellbeing and lead happier lives.

Importantly, there is no need for a specialist or GP referral to access this program. To learn more about the RACH Group Program, we encourage residential aged care homes in the region to simply give us a call on 1300 101 149.

For all media enquiries please contact:
Lives Lived Well Marketing team by emailing [email protected]

Veterans and families invited to attend Open Day

Veterans and families invited to attend Open Day

Lives Lived Well extends a warm welcome to veterans, their families, carers, and ex-service organisations to attend a Veterans’ and Families’ Wellbeing Hub Open Day, scheduled for Wednesday 22 November 2023.

The event, taking place from 10am to 12pm, offers an opportunity to engage with the Hub’s services and connect with fellow veterans and their families over morning tea.

Whether individuals are reflecting on their service or navigating the transition into civilian life, having timely access to the right support can significantly impact their health and wellbeing, as well as that of their families. We’re looking forward to showcasing the support and resources available at our Hub, located at 12 King Street, Caboolture.

To ensure we can cater to all our guests, please remember to RSVP by emailing us at [email protected] by 17 November.

For those seeking further information about the Veterans’ and Families’ Wellbeing Hub, including its offerings and services, please visit https://www.liveslivedwell.org.au/veterans-and-families-hub/.

     

For all media enquiries please contact:
Lives Lived Well Marketing team by emailing [email protected]

Official endorsement of our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan

Front cover of - Innovate Reconciliation Action PlanWe are delighted to announce that Lives Lived Well’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for 2023-2025 recently received official endorsement from Reconciliation Australia. This endorsement marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to Reconciliation and Closing the Gap.

Lives Lived Well and its historical merger partners have operated treatment services for more than 40 years in some locations and have a history of respectfully engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, clients and their communities, in the places in which we operate. Our organisation has witnessed substantial growth and, since 2019, has made deliberate strides to further our commitment to reconciliation and enhance the cultural safety of our workplace and services.

This RAP not only underscores our commitment to Reconciliation but also paves the way for its deeper integration within LLW. It provides a structured framework for tangible actions aimed at nurturing meaningful and respectful relationships while creating sustainable opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The RAP is being championed at Executive level by our CEO Mitchell Giles, and our Director of Data and Quality, Julie Dignan, as Executive Sponsor, with other Executives also represented on the RAP Advisory Group (RAG).

To read the RAP and delve deeper into LLW’s Reconciliation efforts, please visit https://www.liveslivedwell.org.au/about-us/our-mob/.

A week of wellbeing exploring ‘Awareness, Belonging, Connection’

A week of wellbeing exploring ‘Awareness, Belonging, Connection’

When our team members take care of their own wellbeing, they are better placed to support our clients to live their lives well. Lives Lived Well’s sixth annual Wellness Week, held from 9-13 October and coinciding with World Mental Health Day and Mental Health Month, served as a powerful reminder of the importance of engaging in self-care.

Under the theme ‘Awareness, Belonging, Connection’, our teams organised a diverse range of activities tailored to their unique needs and locations. The core idea about choosing this theme, which is associated with Mental Health Month/Week initiatives across the country, was to raise awareness of what activities boost wellbeing and strengthen connections among colleagues.

During Wellness Week, our teams actively engaging in a wide array of activities to support physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. So, we are grateful to our team members who embraced the initiative and organised activities.

Some teams explored their artistic sides, creating paint-by-number pieces, engaging in freestyle drawing while enjoying nature, as well as basket weaving. For those wanting to get active, dragon boating, tennis picnics, mini-putt-putt, lawn bowls, and even glow-in-the-dark golf tournaments were on the agenda. Whereas tranquillity was the priority for other teams, with staff participating in relaxing picnics, Tai Chi Shibashi sessions, yoga, meditation, and peaceful beach walks. Wellness Week also saw teams participate in random acts of kindness, a thrilling table tennis tournament, and visit the Recovered Futures Art Exhibition.

Wellness Week has come to a close, the importance of self-care and wellbeing remains at the forefront. At Lives Lived Well, we offer a range of wellness activities among the many benefits we provide. If you’d like to learn more about our organisation and working with us, we invite you to explore the details on Our Benefits page available on our website.

 Lives Lived Well staffs celebrated the dog office's birthday
five people holding tennis racquets and smiling
2 gold color prize cups
a group of people having picnic in the park and chatting
Veterans’ and Families’ Wellbeing Hub now open

Veterans’ and Families’ Wellbeing Hub now open

The veteran community in Brisbane’s northern suburbs will now have access to co-ordinated services and supports, following the opening of the Veterans’ and Families’ Wellbeing Hub in Caboolture.

The Honourable Matt Keogh MP, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel officially opened the Hub today (11 October), which is operated by Lives Lived Well and the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia (Queensland Branch).

“I am really pleased to see the partnership between Lives Lived Well and the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia (Queensland Branch) in establishing this Hub,” Minister Keogh said.

“Between Lives Lived Well’s decades of experience in providing health and wellbeing support, and the Vietnam Veterans Association’s experience at the coal face, I look forward to seeing how your organisations, both leaders in your respective fields, work together to connect with, and support veterans here in Caboolture.

“In Caboolture alone we know for every 25 residents, one is either a current or former serving member of Australia’s Defence Force. Add in family members and you can appreciate how significant the veteran community in Caboolture is and the importance of this Hub.”

Damian Wright, Lives Lived Well Board Chair, shared the organisation’s excitement regarding the official opening of the Hub, located at 12 King Street.

“Veterans and their families in the region will now be able to access integrated and flexible support in a friendly, welcoming environment where their unique experiences are understood and supported, and their military service is respected,” Mr. Wright said.

“The Hub is staffed by a team with either lived or learned veteran experience, extensively trained in wellbeing case management, who have begun fostering strong connections with ex-service organisations across northern Brisbane.

“Whether you need a coffee and a chat, access to wellbeing support, or you want to meet like-minded friends, you’re welcome at the Veterans’ and Families’ Wellbeing Hub.”

Darryl Shipp, State Secretary of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia (Queensland Branch), said this eagerly anticipated Hub would be welcomed by the veteran community.

“It is so important that our Australian Defence Force personnel, veterans and their families have a dedicated place where they can go to connect with one another and to also access the assistance they need,” Mr Shipp said.

“We know having access to the right supports when you need them can make a real difference to health and wellbeing.”

Recognising the significance of social connection in supporting veterans, the Hub offers a dedicated social connections space where veterans can reconnect with friends, old and new. A fully equipped commercial kitchen further enhances the community experience.

The Hub is open to all current and former serving Australian Defence Force members, including reservists, and their families.

For more information about the Veterans’ and Families’ Wellbeing Hub in Caboolture, visit www.liveslivedwell.org.au/veterans-and-families-hub.

The Caboolture Veterans’ and Families’ Wellbeing Hub is part of the Government’s $46.7 million commitment to deliver ten Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs across the country. For more information about these Hubs, visit www.dva.gov.au/vfhubs