We’re taking AOD support to rural NSW


Roadmaps Launch

Western NSW PHN CEO, Andrew Harvey (left) with the Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton (fifth from left) joined us to celebrate the launch of Roadmaps.

Help to address drug and alcohol concerns is now closer at hand for those living in regional and rural NSW, with the launch of our new Roadmaps service.

Roadmaps is a mobile day support program providing intensive one-on-one and group counselling for adults in Nyngan, Wellington, Gilgandra and Warren. Each person can attend the free program for two days per week over six weeks.

The program is funded by the Western NSW PHN and the Australian Government. We were delighted to have the Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, and Western NSW PHN CEO, Andrew Harvey, officially launch the program in Dubbo on 14 June.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Coulton commended Lives Lived Well for introducing a service which is “mentoring people in their own communities to try and get through issues relating to drugs and alcohol”.

People entering the program will complete a comprehensive assessment, including a mental health assessment. Sessions will address concerns around alcohol and drug dependence, mental health, harm reduction, overdose and relapse prevention and family education.

More information about Roadmaps here.

Positive Pathways begins to provide support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

stacked hands positive pathways

Positive Pathways is a new alcohol and drug support program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and families in the Dalby and Kingaroy communities.

Starting up about a month ago, our team works with local Elders and community groups in engaging individuals and families to help people get their lives back on track.

The program takes a holistic approach, including alcohol and drug counselling, support for people to connect with family, community and culture, future planning and other supports such as employment, housing and health.

It is free to access. We accept self-referrals as well as referrals from other community and health services.

More information about Positive Pathways here.

Funding boost to Caboolture region

Funding boost to Caboolture region

Lives Lived Well welcomes the Federal Government announcement regarding additional funding for specialised drug and alcohol treatment services for people living in the Caboolture region.

Lives Lived Well provides drug and alcohol services across the Brisbane North region, including from its service hub based in Caboolture.

Since opening our Brisbane North Services, 18 months ago, we have been experiencing higher than anticipated demand for support. In a single week, the service receives referrals at a rate that is four times higher than previously predicted.

Since opening, our Brisbane North services have seen 1457 people, including 532 from the Caboolture area. Most named methamphetamines (Ice) as their primary drug of concern, with alcohol and cannabis still presenting strongly.

The Brisbane North PHN has identified the need for locally offered detox and specialised treatment services to address the increased prevalence in problematic substance use amongst young people and adults.

Lives Lived Well’s CEO Mitchell Giles says our service data supports this need and additional specialised services in the area would increase our service capacity, having a direct impact on reducing the harms caused by drugs and alcohol.

“Our Brisbane North staff are working with twice the usual number of clients, and frequently tell us they struggle to meet the demand,” Mr Giles said.

“This much needed funding boost will result in more local services on the ground, keeping people closer to home and family and where they can access strong community links to other supports such as general practice, schooling, education, employment, housing and childcare.

“We are proud to help people in this region to live their lives well.”

For media inquiries, contact Lives Lived Well’s Marketing and Communications Team, Michelle Saftich.
Email:
[email protected]

New in Queensland – Drug and Alcohol First Aid Training

New in Queensland – Drug and Alcohol First Aid Training

We know that many people struggling with an alcohol or drug problem also experience issues related to employment, housing and relationships. We’re helping to boost the AOD knowledge of people working in the community services sector, so they can better support clients presenting with these complex issues, by offering Drug and Alcohol First Aid training.

People working in the community services sector in Brisbane can build their knowledge of AOD issues and in turn, better support their clients, through our Drug and Alcohol First Aid workshop.

The workshop is suited to people working in the community services sector who support clients experiencing AOD issues.  It’s also ideal for people who are new to the AOD sector.

LLW’s National Research Manager, Dr Julaine Allan, will deliver the one-day workshop in Beenleigh on 22 March. Julaine is a substance use researcher and practitioner with more than 30 years’ experience in social work, family therapy, child protection and drug and alcohol services. She is also a Research Associate with the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre at the University of NSW, and an Adjunct Research Fellow at Charles Sturt University.

The workshop will be held at the Beenleigh Events Centre from 8:45am to 4pm. The cost is $155 which includes morning and afternoon tea, lunch and all training materials. Places are limited so register now!