On the road with Breakthrough for Families

Dec 17, 2018


Our new Breakthrough for Families (BFF) program has seen more than 100 people across Queensland participate in free public information sessions with our BFF team in just two months.

This innovative program, funded by the Queensland Department of Child Protection, Youth and Women, aims to demystify issues around alcohol and drugs and help families develop strategies to support a family member with a drug or alcohol problem.

A big part of support to families is teaching them self care. The information the program provides not only informs and educates people, but also makes them feel safer and teaches them what they don’t have to accept. As one participant said: “Thank you, now I can do this. We don’t have to put up with certain behaviours, we don’t have to tolerate abuse”.

Our BFF team has delivered 23 two-hour sessions in the Health and Hospital Service regions across Townsville, Cairns, the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane as well as one-on-one sessions with families and individuals, and outreach as far west as Hughenden and Richmond in north Queensland.

The education sessions aim to empower family members to make positive decisions as individuals and as part of a family unit. The sessions are a safe environment for family members to ask questions, allay concerns, build a plan and move forward with renewed confidence.

More sessions are planned for next year – visit our website to see dates and locations. Individuals and families can self-refer through our website or by calling 1300 727 957.

Read more about Breakthrough for Families.

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]

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]

Rising need for ICE help in Charters Towers

Rising need for ICE help in Charters Towers

May 25, 2017

Growing need for support service in Charters Towers region

Lives Lived Well has been featured in an article written by The Northern Miner, the local newspaper of Charters Towers – see the article below. Lives Lived Well’s Far North Queensland manager Rachael Ham commented in the article, saying that there is a rising number of young people with issues around early psychosis resulting from the use of methamphetamines.

Concerns about this rising methamphetamine, particularly ice, use in the region are growing.

Currently Lives Lived Well provides face-to-face counselling in Charters Towers every Tuesday at Prospect Community Services, Powell Lane and offers phone support for the wider region during business hours on 0448 609 559 or 1300 727 957.