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).
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.
1300 727 957
