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.
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]
May 28, 2018
Lives Lived Well has relocated its Cairns operations to larger premises at 139 Sheridan Street and added transitional accommodation to its support services.
Previously located in Martyn Street, the centre also provides a day program for drug or alcohol withdrawal support, community re-entry for people exiting corrective services, and intake assessment for the Shanty Creek residential facility.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said supported accommodation was a critical part of any rehabilitation program.
“People seeking treatment and support to deal with alcohol and drug addiction need to have appropriate accommodation where they feel safe and secure,” Mr Entsch said.
“Supported accommodation also reduces the risk of relapse.
“I congratulate Lives Lived Well by going further in providing transitional accommodation – a first for Cairns.
“It is this type of program being offered by Lives Lived Well that gives people the best chance to deal with addiction.”
Lives Lived Well CEO, Mitchell Giles said the new property, funded by Lives Lived Well, featured two two-bedroom units for people in need of accommodation to assist their transition after completing rehabilitation at Shanty Creek.
“Being able to offer transitional accommodation for the first time in Cairns has boosted the level of support we provide for people affected by the problematic use of alcohol and other drugs, including methamphetamine,” Mr Giles said.
“We regularly re-assess the needs of our local communities to ensure we deliver services that will provide the most suitable support for people.”
In September last year, Lives Lived Well, in partnership with Northern Queensland Primary Health Network, introduced the Alcohol and Other Drugs Withdrawal Support program in Cairns to provide supervised day care for people coming off drugs and alcohol.
“Further expanding our support offering to include transitional accommodation at Sheridan Street reflects Lives Lived Well’s commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and to providing a continuum of care in the region,” he said.
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 Lives Lived Well’s Marketing Team Leader, Michelle Saftich. Email: [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.
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.
1300 727 957
