Jun 20, 2018
Our support service in Caboolture, on Brisbane’s northern doorstep, has received a boost, with the Federal Government committing additional funding over three years to the region.
Federal Health Minister, Greg Hunt visited the service on 13 June to announce the funding. He said the Government’s decision to fund Lives Lived Well was based on the Brisbane North PHN’s needs assessment and acknowledged the work we’ve done in the area over the past 18 months.
We’ve started planning for a day-rehab, an ambulatory detox service, and additional services to complement our existing AOD program. The Federal Government also committed to capital development and funding for a new 20-bed residential facility – the first of its kind in the Caboolture region.
These new services are very much needed in this area. Since opening our Brisbane North Services 18 months ago, we’ve received referrals at a rate four times higher than predicted.
Our Caboolture team has seen 532 people from the area since early 2017, with most naming methamphetamines (Ice) as their primary drug of concern. Alcohol and cannabis also present strongly. About one in three people identify as having a co-occurring mental health condition.
The new Caboolture withdrawal service will be modeled on similar services we introduced late last year in Cairns and Mackay. These services are a vital stepping stone for people when they reach out for help to address problematic use of alcohol or drugs.
Jun 13, 2018
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]
1300 727 957
