Logan House Family Recovery Units, a first for Queensland

Logan House Family Recovery Units, a first for Queensland

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]

New six-week residential program introduced at Mirikai and Logan House

Jun 20, 2018


Recovery Motivation Mirikai

Lives Lived Well has introduced a shorter and refreshed residential program at our Logan and Gold Coast sites following an extensive review of evidence of treatment outcomes.

Partnering with the University of Queensland, we reviewed similar services across Australia and around the world, analysed our service data and spoke to our clients, both past and present.

Out of this review, it was found that a six-week program would best serve people needing intensive alcohol and drug treatment. The shorter program means that residential treatment is an option now open to people who may not have been able to attend previous long stay programs. Program changes also include more individual treatment with a treatment facilitator in a strength-based, client-centred approach and more support in the community before entering the program and on completion.

More information about Mirikai.

More information about Logan House.

Funding boost to Caboolture region

Funding boost to Caboolture region

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]

Expanded services in Darling Downs

Expanded services in Darling Downs

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]