Jun 20, 2018
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.
Jun 19, 2018
Positive Pathways is a new alcohol and drug support program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and families in the Dalby and Kingaroy communities.
Starting up about a month ago, our team works with local Elders and community groups in engaging individuals and families to help people get their lives back on track.
The program takes a holistic approach, including alcohol and drug counselling, support for people to connect with family, community and culture, future planning and other supports such as employment, housing and health.
It is free to access. We accept self-referrals as well as referrals from other community and health services.
More information about Positive Pathways here.
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.
Mar 14, 2018
Lives Lived Well is delighted to foreshadow two new family programs that make live-in recovery available to those of whom it previously may not have been an option: Lyndon Women’s in Orange, New South Wales; and Family Recovery Units in Logan Queensland.
Seeking help for a drug or alcohol problem is already a daunting enough task, and pregnancy, family and young children can make this seem impossible.
Lyndon Women’s Program
Lyndon Women’s Program is targeted towards mothers of young children. The program offers dedicated child care workers so that children can stay with their mothers.
Along with a tailored alcohol and other drug program Lyndon Women’s offers individual and group-based therapy and mental-health management as required. As an added part of the support available, Lyndon Women’s offers family and relationship focused counselling.
support for planned family reunions and help accessing specialist child services.
While the full program runs for six weeks, it has flexibility if circumstances change and stays can be extended if required. On completion of Lyndon Women’s Program, counsellors will assist with the transition back to home.
Logan House Family Units
The Logan House Family Recovery Units will have five family units and provide easier access to drug and alcohol rehabilitation services for parents with young children.
With infrastructure jointly funded by the Commonwealth Government and Lives Lived Well, the family accommodation units will enable parents to live-in with their children at Logan House and have them cared for while they receive the support to overcome their alcohol and other drug related issues.
Federal Member for Forde Bert van Manen recently joined Logan City Councillor Phil Pidgeon and Lives Lived Well CEO Mitchell Giles in the ceremonial “turning of the first sod” on site at Logan House.
The centre is on track to open in November and will consist of three two-bedroom units and two three-bedroom units. Each unit comes with an attached kitchen, bathroom, living room and a shared outdoor room, giving each family independence and security.
In the meantime, Lives Lived Well continues to provide community-based support services for families in the area through our Beenleigh and Beaudesert centres.
Mar 14, 2018
Gold Coast PHN CEO Matt Carrodus, Specialist Centre Manager Michele and Lives Lived Well CEO MItchell Giles.
Our one-stop-shop Specialist Centre on the Gold Coast has had a name change, a revamp and launched a new website. Previously Banjara, it is now known as the Lives Lived Well Specialist Centre.
With a GP on site as well as a team of private practitioners including psychologists, a psychiatrist and other allied health care specialists, people can come in and access a range of supports in a complete package of care.
Our clinical experts can help with Dual Diagnosis (drug and alcohol as well as mental health concerns), including but not limited to such issues as depression, bipolar disorders, anxiety, phobias, addiction, psychosis, schizophrenia, behavioural disorders, trauma and relationships counselling.
Having a GP on site, means assessments and referrals to our specialist practitioners can all happen in one safe place in a holistic manner.
Patients who hold concession cards can access bulk billing through Medicare for the GP visits.
The centre is at 191 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads. To make an appointment call 5508 0950. For more information visit it’s website.
Nov 9, 2017
Are you a counsellor, clinician or GP wanting to know more about how to screen for problem gambling?
If you see people for drug or alcohol dependency or mental health conditions, it is likely your client is also dealing with an underlying issue of problem gambling that is perhaps going undetected. Did you know that of those who have a gambling problem:
- 58 per cent of them will also have a problem with drinking or drugs
- 38 per cent will also have a mental health condition
Free training is now being offered to provide you with the tools to screen and assess people who are experiencing gambling problems.
The training covers the characteristics of problem gambling and the relationship with substance use and mental health. Learn about the Problem Gambling Severity Index and explore the use of brief interventions and practice-based strategies to support your clients.
Lives Lived Well’s Gambling Intervention team are available for bookings to visit your workplace and run free face-to-face training. The sessions run for 90 minutes and include online resources.
Alternatively, free online training is now available by clicking here to register. We’ll email you a confirmation link and log-in details. Please note that you will need to set up a new password to enroll.
For more information, email training@liveslivedwell.org.au or call 1300 727 957 and ask to speak to Gambling Intervention Counsellor Case Manager, Richie Wilson.
1300 727 957
