Dec 18, 2023
People navigating challenges related to alcohol or drug dependency across the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) now have increased access to therapy and treatment services through a newly established non-residential day rehabilitation program in Dubbo, a collaborative initiative between WNSWLHD and Lives Lived Well.
Helen McFarlane, WNSWLHD Acting Executive Director of Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol, said the day program will provide intensive therapy and treatment to assist people to safely and successfully transition back into their life.
“Overcoming problematic substance use is an incredibly difficult, stressful thing to do and ensuring people in our communities have access to specialised support, both initially and for the long-term, is one of our highest priorities,” Ms McFarlane said.
“The Dubbo Residential Rehabilitation Centre will be a critical service but it will take time to develop and build, so expanding people’s pathways to treatment and recovery is vital between now and then.
“In collaboration with Lives Lived Well, we have delivered community-based rehabilitation and treatment across the District and this program builds on that work to create another safe, appropriate environment for more intensive care.
“Along with the local community in Dubbo, this program will help improve access to care for people in surrounding areas, allowing them to receive the therapy and treatment closer to home.”
Mitchell Giles, Lives Lived Well Chief Executive Officer, said the Dubbo Day Program will be offered on weekdays in three-week cycles, with before and aftercare to help participants realise their life potential and get back on track, free from the harms of alcohol and other drugs.
“At Lives Lived Well, our unwavering belief is, with the right support people can change their lives, and we see evidence of this every day as we support people to make these changes,” Mr Giles said.
“This new day program allows clients to continue meeting their work and family responsibilities while learning new strategies to reduce their dependence on alcohol or drugs. Our alcohol and drug support includes group therapy sessions, counselling, practical tools, referrals and ongoing access to community support.”
Ms McFarlane said the day program will be linked to existing treatment services across the area, to coordinate an approach across existing referral pathways and local provider networks.
“With that coordinated approach, we can create much smoother referral, communication and consultation between partner agencies and service providers, including the Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) program and the Dubbo Drug Court,” Ms McFarlane said.
“Most people who are referred from MERIT or the Drug Court already undergo rehabilitation and treatment in a community setting and that has been incredibly effective. Creating more pathways into the service will allow more people to receive the care and treatment they need.”
Anyone who has a problem with alcohol or other drugs, can contact Lives Lived Well on 1300 727 957 or visit www.liveslivedwell.org.au to self-refer.
People can also contact WNSWLHD’s Drug and Alcohol Helpline (1300 887 000) for advice or referral to services in Western NSW. The helpline is available Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm and you can self-refer or be referred by a family member or other service provider.
The NSW Alcohol and Other Drug Information Service (1800 422 599) also provides a 24-hour helpline for advice and information. For emergencies or urgent assistance, call Triple Zero (000).
For all media enquiries please contact:
Lisa Maynard | Lives Lived Well | lisa.maynard@liveslivedwell.org
Matt Findlay | WNSWLHD | | matthew.findlay@health.nsw.gov.au
Nov 14, 2023
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 marketing@llw.org.au
Nov 14, 2023
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 marketing@llw.org.au
1300 727 957
