Dec 17, 2018
Opening our new space: From, left Lives Lived Well CEO Mitchell Giles, Lives Lived Well Board Members Raylee Taylor and David Tapsall, Senator James McGrath, Lives Lived Well Board Chair Damian Wright and Lives Lived Well Clinical Services Manager Leah Tickner.
Almost immediately after opening the doors of our Brisbane North service early in 2017, our staff were receiving referrals four times higher than predicted. Recognising this high demand for alcohol and drug support services in the region, the Federal Government announced an additional $11M in funding for the service in June 2018. That funding has now been put into action, with the opening of our new service for drug and alcohol support in Caboolture.
The extra funding has enabled Lives Lived Well to significantly boost the level of support we provide to people affected by the problematic use of alcohol and other drugs, including methamphetamine (ice).
Part of this funding will go towards constructing a 20-bed live-in recovery residence, due for completion in 2019.
Lives Lived Well CEO, Mitchell Giles said “the addition of withdrawal and rehabilitation day supports puts extra counsellors in the field and means more support for more people at different stages of their recovery over a longer period.
“Since opening in late 2016, our Brisbane North services have supported 1813 people, including 570 from the Caboolture area. Most named methamphetamine (ice) as their primary drug of concern, with alcohol and cannabis also presenting strongly,” Mr Giles said.
“In some ways this is a positive sign. It means people are recognising that they have a problem and are comfortable in coming forward for support. That step alone takes courage.”
People wishing to access our support services can refer themselves online or phone 1300 727 957 (QLD) or 1300 596 366 (NSW).
Dec 12, 2018
Lives Lived Well’s Logan House Family Recovery Units officially opened today, marking the end of the project’s construction and the launch of a first-of-its-kind drug and alcohol treatment option for families in Queensland.
The unique residential rehabilitation program makes it possible for parents to receive support while their young children stay with them. The units, which are located on the site of Logan House, south of Brisbane, will open to families in early 2019.
Conducting the official opening today were The Hon. Michael McCormack MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; The Hon Di Farmer, State Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women and Minister for the Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence; and Lives Lived Well Chair Damian Wright.
The Australian Government invested $986,000 in the over $2 million construction of the units, jointly funding it with not-for-profit organisation, Lives Lived Well.
The Queensland Government has committed to providing $1.7 million in funding over three years to support the operation of the family alcohol and drug recovery program at the units.
Speaking at the launch, Mr McCormack said: “Addiction affects everyone in the community and especially children who have parents that are suffering. Untreated problems are often passed on to younger generations and this is a cycle we’re keen to disrupt through vital investment such as this.
“Giving parents with young children appropriate accommodation for their families will make it much easier for them to get the help they need, benefiting the entire family and broader community.”
Queensland Minister for Child Safety Di Farmer said annual funding of the Family Recovery Units of close to $600,000 was part of the Queensland Government’s $100 million Action on Ice plan.
“Almost one in three children coming into the care of Child Safety in Queensland have a parent with a current or previous methamphetamine problem, usually ice,” she said. “The road to recovery is not an easy one, and it’s a road travelled by entire families, not just the parent who is recovering.
“That is why this investment in the treatment of families who are struggling with substance use is so important – this is a life-changing program for Queensland families.”
Lives Lived Well Chair Damian Wright said from early next year, parents would be able to come and stay at the units with their young children to receive wrap-around support including specialist alcohol and drug counselling and information, group sessions and parenting, life and health support, whilst having appropriate care arrangements set in place for their children.
“We are grateful for the funding support of both state and federal governments, which allows us to work closely with families to turn their lives around after the harms and disruption of alcohol and drugs,” Mr Wright said.
For media inquiries, email Lives Lived Well’s Michelle Saftich on [email protected]
Nov 9, 2018
The services come as a result of funding announced by the Federal Government in June, which dedicated $11 million dollars towards improved Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) support services in the region.
They will provide a significant boost to the level of support provided by Lives Lived Well for people affected by the problematic use of alcohol and other drugs, including methamphetamine (ice).
As a part of this funding Lives Lived Well will also be constructing a 20-bed live-in recovery residence, due for completion in 2019.
Senator James McGrath said the announcement would go a long way in dealing with drugs and alcohol across the Caboolture and Bribie Island region.
“The local community has been calling for additional support services and I’m delighted that the Liberal National Coalition Government has been able to deliver $11 million dollars in funding.
“This funding will help save lives and stop people slipping through the cracks from drugs or alcohol.
“Lives Lived Well is a brilliant not-for-profit organisation and this funding will enable them to continue their work in helping victims and families impacted by drugs or alcohol.
Lives Lived Well CEO Mitchell Giles emphasised the importance of these new programs saying the addition of withdrawal and rehabilitation day supports puts extra counsellors in the field and means more support for more people at different stages of their recovery over a longer period.
“Since opening in late 2016, our Brisbane North services have seen 1813 people, including 570 from the Caboolture area. Most named methamphetamines (ice) as their primary drug of concern, with alcohol and cannabis also presenting strongly,” Mr Giles said.
“In some ways this is a positive sign. It means people are recognising that they have a problem and are comfortable in coming forward for support. That step alone takes courage.Lives Lived Well is a not-for-profit support organisation for people impacted by drugs, alcohol or mental health concerns. People who are thinking of addressing their use of alcohol or other drugs can contact Lives Lived Well on 1300 727 957.
ENDS
For media inquiries, contact Michelle Saftich at Lives Lived Well Marketing by emailing [email protected]
Mar 14, 2018
David Littleproud MP, new Chinchilla Counsellor Lindsay, and Toowoomba Team Leader Tania.
The past quarter has seen us start delivering new and specialised support services, meaning we are getting into new communities, reaching more people and helping more lives being impacted by drugs or alcohol. The nature of our support is changing too, as we introduce programs aimed at meeting people’s different needs in different ways. These new services and programs include Day Withdrawal Programs in Cairns and Mackay; a regular presence in Chinchilla; before and after treatment support for people in rehabilitation and increased supports for people with complex needs.
Day Withdrawal Program
People in Cairns and Mackay are now coming to Lives Lived Well for withdrawal support (for mild to moderate detox), without the need to stay overnight in a facility. Our new community-based withdrawal program means people can access safe support during week days, though extra support can be accessed outside of these hours if needed. Funded by the North Queensland PHN, the program delivers a GP-led process with the assistance of a registered nurse and trained counsellors. It includes assessment and care planning, counselling sessions, exercise therapy, GP appointments and health checks.
People completing the withdrawal program may then access our Life Back group program or individual counselling services.
We’re in Chinchilla
In regional Queensland, we now have a regular presence in Chinchilla, providing support in the town and surrounding areas. This service is based out of the Chinchilla Family Support Centre and is thanks to funding from the Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN.
Rehabilitation – before and after support
New Department of Health (Queensland) funds will soon see us providing more support for people as they enter our rehabilitation programs at Mirikai, Logan House and Shanty Creek; and when they leave them.
Often people require support, or are on a waiting list, prior to live-in stay rehabilitation, and with this funding we will help people navigate the service system to maximise their chances of success. Transitioning out of residential care can also be challenging as people seek to re-enter the community. We will partner with other service agencies to develop an individualised recovery support and relapse prevention plan, covering such needs as helping the person get job ready or move into education, and find accommodation.
Greater support for complex needs
We are now able to provide increased care for people who have more complex substance use issues due to mental health dual diagnoses. This comes because of funding from Department of Health Queensland through its Connecting Care to Recovery 2016-2021.
Aug 1, 2017
Expanded alcohol and drug counselling services are now available for people in the Darling Downs affected by the problematic use of alcohol and other drugs, including methamphetamine (ice).
Simone Finch, CEO for Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN, said the new services would enhance local support for people who needed help. “These services will provide support to people and families who are affected by the harmful use of substances such as methamphetamine,” she said.
“Through our community engagement and health planning, we have identified a demand for improved access to the services our community needs at a local level.
“We are thrilled to announce the commissioning of Lives Lived Well to deliver counselling, case management, group programs and outreach services to people and families across our region.
“The work of this service provider will greatly enhance the capacity of existing services in the local area and work with individuals and their families to get things back on track.”
Lives Lived Well CEO, Mitchell Giles, said the funding was welcome, as it would expand the service and extend its reach, providing more drug and alcohol support to communities across the Darling Downs.
“As well as expanding the range of services offered at our Toowoomba office, we will now also be delivering outreach services to communities including Tara, Warwick, Pittsworth, Dalby, Oakey and Gatton,” he said.
“Historically, residents in these areas have had limited access to alcohol and drug support, so our expansion to include these towns fills a significant gap in the services for rural communities.
“Many of the people who seek our support in the region are experiencing problems with methamphetamine (ice). By expanding our team, we will be able to help even more people and families being impacted by ice.
“While ice is a focus, our counsellors are trained to work with people who have problems with any kind of drug, including alcohol, and can offer care and support for a range of needs, from mild to complex.
“Our flexible services allow for counselling to be delivered over the phone, face-to-face and in group sessions.
“The funding from the Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN will enable us to deliver a group day program, Life Back, for people who want to learn how to reduce their dependence on drugs or alcohol.
“We recognised that alternatives to residential rehabilitation programs were needed, and so we developed Life Back to provide a more flexible style of support.
“People who are thinking of addressing their use of alcohol or other drugs, can contact Lives Lived Well on1300 727 957.”
For all media enquiries contact:
Michelle Saftich – Marketing & Media Officer
e [email protected]
1300 727 957
