On Thursday 16 December a special virtual graduation ceremony celebrated and honoured the students who completed the Withdrawal, Rehabilitation and Aftercare programs at Triple Care Farm in 2021.

Our heartfelt congratulations to all of this year’s graduates – your hard work, commitment and perseverance has paid off!

You can watch the full 2021 Triple Care Farm graduation ceremony video below.

We hope this video stands as lasting tribute to the perseverance and hard work of these young people who are transforming their lives – and offers inspiration for others just starting their journeys.

Congratulations to the 2021 graduates, their loved ones and the dedicated Triple Care Farm team – who manage to still deliver the highest quality of support care despite the many challenges thrown their way.

Finally, a special thank you  to our Foundation’s supporters. None of this would be possible without your continued generosity and financial support of Triple Care Farm!

2021 Triple Care Farm virtual graduation ceremony

Learn more about Triple Care Farm

You can more about Triple Care Farm, including details about the application process via Apply for Triple Care Farm – Sir David Martin Foundation

Donate and help young, vulnerable Australians break the cycle of addiction and have hope for a brighter future.

Mission Australia’s 2021 Youth Survey exposes the heavy toll of the pandemic on young people’s health and wellbeing, giving fresh insight into their concerns for the future.

Among the 20,207 teens surveyed nationally, nearly half cited coping with stress and mental health during the pandemic as their top concerns. And 36.8 per cent were “extremely or very concerned’’ about school or study issues.

Stress levels were also high, with 44.5% of young people surveyed saying they felt stressed either all of the time or most of the time.

The survey revealed that gender diverse young people experienced poorer mental health concerns than their peers, with 72.2% of those who identified as gender diverse feeling extremely or very concerned about their mental health. They also shared significant concerns about bullying, emotional abuse and personal safety.

At a glance:

In delivering the 2021 Youth Survey, Mission Australia CEO James Toomey stressed the importance of listening to young Australians’ perspectives and including them in key decision-making.

“Now is a critical time to make sure young people are heard. Young people can and should create and advise on solutions that will address issues that affect them, other young people, and Australia. The Youth Survey is just one way of capturing the voices of young people, but they are telling us that they want to feel heard in political and decision-making processes.

“Young people have the answers. It’s a matter of ensuring they are genuinely listened to, included in decision-making processes, and their concerns acted upon. It’s the brightest way forward for us all.”

About the 2021 Youth Survey

The Mission Australia Youth Survey is the largest annual survey of young people in Australia. Now in its 20th year, the survey continues to provide a platform for young people aged 15 to 19 to share their values, aspirations and concerns.

Learn more

For more details about the 2021 Youth Survey download the media release, report and infographic 

As the major philanthropic partner of Mission Australia, our Foundation has raised over $70M since 1990. This partnership has enabled a best practice model of treatment for young people with drug and alcohol addiction. The Foundation is the major funder of Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm, a unique, holistic treatment centre, which each year gives vulnerable young Australians, aged 16-24, a safe place to get well and prepare for new opportunities.

Make a difference

Would you like to make a difference to a young person’s life? Make a Donation here 

Sir David Martin Foundation’s 2020-21 Annual Report is now available online.

The report details the impact of our Foundation’s support for young people in crisis, as the major funder of Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm.

In 2020, despite the enormous challenges of the pandemic, Triple Care Farm continued to deliver life-saving care for vulnerable young people in a COVID-19-safe way. Highlights include:

Triple Care Farm Participants in 2020

Impact on young people in 2020

The 2020-21 Annual Report reflects on the Foundation's 30 years of supporting young people in crisis. August 2020 marks 30 years since the death of Rear Admiral Sir David Martin KCMG, AO, RAN, (Rtd), 34th Governor of NSW in August 1990. Sir David was beloved as the “People’s Governor” and touched so many with his humility, service and kindness. His legacy lives on through our Foundation’s support of Triple Care Farm. Since 1990, we have raised over $70 million through the generosity of our supporters who care deeply about young Australians. This support is changing young people’s lives!To find out more about how you can get involved with Sir David Martin Foundation and support our lifesaving work visit our Get Involved page or Donate Now

October is a month where we turn the spotlight to all things related to mental health and wellbeing. In light of the uncertain times associated with COVID lockdowns, restrictions (and their far reaching social and economic effects), the mental health of Australians has been a focal point all year long.

We know that young Australians aged 15-24 years old have felt the significant effects of the pandemic proving to be the biggest issues in their lives in 2020. Most particularly concerning the impact on their education, job losses, experiences of isolation and mental health. Our work with young people in crisis shows that all these factors are common pre-cursors to harmful drug and alcohol misuse.

Tune In to mental health

Mental Health Month is a chance to increase awareness and promote the mental health and well-being of people. The theme this year, ‘Tune In’, is an opportunity to promote the activities and ideas that can have a positive impact on the daily lives of ourselves and others. You can check out some of the tips and activities to ‘Tune In’ here.

The theme encourages individuals to think about their own mental health by ‘tuning’ in and being present. This creates an opportunity to be more aware of what is happening both within themselves and the world around them.

Working to change the bigger picture of mental health.

Mental Health Months work is evidence-based and co-designed with people’s lived experience. With the aim of creating a space that enables people to ‘Tune in to Mental Health Month and help create a world we can all Tune In to (Way Ahead Mental Health Month 2021). Highlighting the importance of good mental health, tuning in to one’s self has demonstrated to help build self-awareness, help make affective choices, reduce the impact of worry, build positive connections, and ultimately encourage help seeking behaviours when needed.

The prevalence of young people experiencing significant psychological distress and the need for action, is higher than ever. This was highlighted in a report released by Mission Australia and the Black Dog Institute, Psychological Distress in Young People in Australia, 2021. In attempt to better understand the experiences of psychological distress young Australian’s aged 15-19years old faced.

In 2020, one in four young people said they were experiencing mental health challenges. Of that, more than five times the proportion of young people with psychological distress reported concerns about suicide (31.1% compared to 6.0% of respondents without psychological distress).

By exploring how young people with mental health concerns feel, think and act, the report was able to look at their help-seeking behaviours and pinpoint the important role that friends, parents, external services, schools, and internet apps play in the support of young people in these tough times. Furthermore, emphasising that the feelings of being scared, anxious or feeling embarrassed to get help were the three most commonly referred to barriers that prevent young people from seeking help.

Reaching out for help

More often than not reaching out for help can be the hardest part. Unfortunately, stigma, shame and prejudice all continue to contribute to people feeling unable to reach out and seek help when they need it. That is why as part of this year’s Mental Health Month theme is to provide people with the tools and steps to help shift the world into a safer and more supportive environment for people experiencing mental health distress. You can find out more about how to get involved with Mental Health Month here.

This Mental Health Month, don’t forget to check in with yourself, and your loved ones, and reach out for help or support when needed.

Finding help and support for young people in crisis 

It can be difficult to find the right help for young people in crisis who are struggling with issues associated with drug and alcohol misuse. Make the right decision during mental health month by viewing our list of useful resources to find the right help when needed. Access our Find Help pages here.

Our Youth Recovery Month online panel event on Thursday 23rd September delved into touchy and often taboo subjects surrounding youth addiction, mental health and wellbeing.

The topic of the online panel event was Touchy Subjects – does judgement limit young people’s potential?. 

The event formed part of Sir David Martin Foundation’s new Don’t Judge Me awareness campaign to reduce stigma about youth drug and alcohol addiction.The panel featured a fantastic lineup of guests who are all passionate about the health and wellbeing of young Australians, bringing invaluable clinical, sector and lived experience to the discussion.

Watch the full event recording

Our panelists

Jacinta Tynan – MC

Jacinta is a journalist, former news presenter, columnist, author and homeschooling mother of two. She writes a monthly column for Body+Soul and recently published her fifth book, The Single Mother’s Social Club – inspiration and advice on embracing single parenthood. Jacinta is also one of Australia’s most experienced news presenters,  most recently with Sky News Australia.  Passionate about social causes, Jacinta is patron of the Warrior Woman Foundation and an ambassador for Raise Foundation.Connect with Jacinta 

Dr Suzie Hudson

Suzie is the Clinical Director at the Network of Alcohol and other Drugs Agencies (NADA). She is an accredited Mental Health Social Worker with the Australian Association of Social Workers and has over 16 years clinical experience in the fields of substance misuse, mental health, forensics, research and evaluation.

Suzie has worked, developed and managed community-based and residential alcohol and drug services both in Australia and overseas. She has a PhD in Public Health and Community Medicine and a passion for engaging with social change.

Connect with Suzie

Professor Dan Lubman AM

Dan is the Executive Clinical Director, Turning Point and Professor of Addiction Studies and Services, Monash University and has worked across mental health and drug treatment settings in the UK and Australia.

His research is wide-ranging and includes investigating the harms associated with alcohol, drugs and gambling, the impact of alcohol and drug use on brain function and the relationship between substance use, gambling and mental disorder.  He featured prominently in landmark SBS series Addicted Australia and subsequent Rethink Addiction campaign.

Connect with Dan

Elli Reinhard

Elli is passionate about educating and raising awareness on issues affecting young people.

As a Peer Educator for Keep It Safe (KIS), Elli engages with people aged 12 to 24 around alcohol and other drugs minimization strategies and raises awareness on mental health issues.

Elli is Sir David Martin Foundation’s Youth Ambassador and brings valuable lived experience as a Triple Care Farm graduate to her role. Earlier this year Elli was named 2021 NSW/ACT Young Achiever (Health and Wellbeing) and is currently in her first year of a Forensic Science degree.

Connect with Elli

Lucy Stronach

Lucy is the current Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations.

Throughout 2021, Lucy has toured Australia to identify the concerns, needs and experiences of diverse and underrepresented young people, which she will present back to the Australian Government and UN General Assembly.

A graduate of studies in Criminology, Law, and Security, Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism, Lucy is a passionate advocate for youth justice in both the domestic and international spheres.

Lucy continues to work in her key interest areas of Indigenous justice, gender-based crime prevention, penology, and evidence-based practice.

Connect with Lucy

Steve Bastian

Indigenous youth mentor Steve is a proud Yorta Yorta man from Albion Park, NSW. In July 2021 he was awarded the prestigious Health Wellbeing and Community Services Student of the Year at the TAFE NSW Gilli Awards, which recognises Aboriginal student achievement.

Steve is now employed in the sector and is deeply passionate about mentoring at-risk Aboriginal children and teens to help them get the guidance he says he didn’t receive at the same age.Connect with Steve

Don’t Judge Me

Stigma, judgement and misinformation are major road blocks to young people and their families seeking help for drug and alcohol addiction. Get involved today with our Don’t Judge Me campaign!

Sometimes starting the conversation with a friend or loved one about harmful drug or alcohol use can be really difficult. Here’s some tips to navigate these difficult conversations and to help you, help them!

By initiating open communication and asking questions can help them feel heard and understood. It could be what they need in order to break down the barriers to them reaching out and seeking help.

It can be difficult to know where to start when initiating a conversation with a young person about their drug or alcohol use. It is important to note that this first conversation is unlikely to resolve the issue. However, it can open up communication between you and someone you care about and work towards a brighter future and better outcomes.

We know that preparing to talk about these issues can be daunting. So we have complied a list of tips to help you prepare and feel more comfortable in starting the conversation.

When preparing to start the conversation it is important to:

  1. Gather your information

Make sure you have a clear understanding of what drug they are under the influence of and its effects. Ensure you have a clear idea of what it is that concerns you most about their substance use. The more informed you are about drug and alcohol facts, the better support you will be able to offer them.

See Alcohol & Drug Foundation for really useful information and resources

  1. Arrange a suitable time for you both to talk

Choose a quite private place to talk where you will both feel comfortable and relaxed. It is best to only start the conversation when the person is not under the influence of drugs, if possible.

  1. Listen with an open-mind

It is important to listen to everything the young person is saying and to try and find out what their life is like. It is ok to express your concerns about their drug or alcohol use, but avoid being judgmental, confrontational or becoming upset. It is OK to ask directly about their substance use, but don’t make assumptions about what they are using or why they use it. Use this as an opportunity to find out what it is like in their life.

  1. Reassure them that change is possible, and that you’ll always be there for them

Communicate that there is help available to them and things can change. It can be hard to seek help so reassure them of your support and that they are not alone.

Here are some prompt questions that you might find useful to use in your conversations.

Finding help and support:

Often it can be difficult to know where to begin when trying to find the right help and support services for a loved one. Sir David Martin Foundation cares about young people in crisis and understand that this can be a hard process, that is why we have created a page on our website with a full list of where to find immediate help and also alcohol and drug related support programs and services available to young people.

More information: 

A selection of useful resources about youth drug and alcohol use and addiction is available on our website.

Sir David Martin Foundation funds Missions Australia’s Triple Care Farm, a residential youth drug and alcohol treatment facility in the NSW Southern Highlands. The program offers young Australians aged 16-24 a safe place to get well and prepare for new opportunities. Read more about Triple Care Farm or contact us directly if you have any questions about applying for the program (either for your self, or someone you care about).

 

 

 

 

As part of September’s Youth Recovery Month, we are delighted to launch a new awareness campaign to help reduce stigma surrounding youth drug and alcohol addiction.

The “Don’t Judge Me” digital campaign challenges society’s ideas about youth addiction, highlighting the uncomfortable realities behind many young people’s problematic drug and alcohol use, including homelessness, mental illness, family breakdown, abuse and trauma.

We know that stigma, shame and misinformation are major road blocks to young people (and their families) reaching out for help for drug and alcohol addiction. But no one should feel they have to face this alone!

Together, by starting important conversations and breaking down some of the misconceptions about youth addiction, we can help remove these barriers and empower young people to seek help.

Created by Sir David Martin Foundation and leading creative agency The Zoo Republic, the digital campaign is designed to be eye-catching and intimate. By posing the question “Would you judge me for that?” we gently challenge the audience’s perceptions and invite them to consider the bigger picture behind youth addiction.

campaign launch

By encouraging a little more empathy and less judgement, perhaps we can make a positive difference to more young people in crisis?

View the campaign at https://martinyouth.org.au/dont-judge-me/ and follow the discussion on Sir David Martin Foundation’s social media platforms using #dontjudgeme

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter

You can also join the conversation via registering for our free online panel discussion on Thursday 23 September from 5pm. Register now!

Need help?

If you need urgent help right now, please call 000 or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 for immediate 24/7 crisis support.

The Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 offers 24/7 free counselling and support for people at risk of suicide.

For more details about where you or a loved one can find help and support to cope with youth drug and alcohol use, visit our Find help page

A new study examining the effectiveness of Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) for young people in residential rehabilitation programs has shown positive results.

In 2017, the University of Wollongong (Project Air) in partnership with Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm commenced a research project to evaluate the effectiveness of DBT, which is a crucial part of the residential rehabilitation program. Read more: What is DBT?

The study compared two cohorts from Triple Care Farm’s 12-week residential rehabilitation facility over a 10 year period: Cohort A (2008–2009) and Cohort B (2018–2020).

The resulting research paper was published recently in the prestigious BMC Psychiatry Journal.

The study highlights that young people are presenting for treatment with a higher acuity of psychiatric symptoms (when compared to the comparison group) and demonstrated that DBT and residential care for young people yields positive effects.

The outcomes also continue to demonstrate that quality improvement for psychological treatments and early intervention approaches are important.

Well done to the Triple Care Farm and Project Air team on having this important paper published.

About Triple Care Farm’s Rehabilitation Program

Triple Care Farm’s youth drug and alcohol residential rehabilitation facility helps 16-24 year olds to overcome addiction and develop skills to find their independence in the community. Located in the NSW Southern Highlands, residential rehabilitation program provides treatment and support for addiction and mental health issues, as well as opportunities for young people to gain useful skills for their future. By re-engaging with education and building job and living skills, students are better placed to be independent, find employment or go on to do further study.

This is a holistic program and is tailored to meet each individual’s needs and goals for their future.

Triple Care Farm is accredited by the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards.

Sir David Martin Foundation is the major funder of Triple Care Farm, giving over 200 vulnerable young Australians, aged 16-24, a safe place to get well and prepare for new opportunities each year. Through philanthropy, we enable best practice models of treatment for youth drug and alcohol addiction.

Congratulations to Gabriella Holmes from Mission Australia’s  Triple Care Farm on being a finalist in the 2021 Westfield Local Heroes Program, in recognition of her work with young people in crisis.

Gabriella is one of six finalists to progress to the voting phase (10 – 30 August), where the three finalists with the most votes will become this year’s Westfield Local Heroes. Each Westfield Local Hero will receive a grant of $10,000 for their organisation.

The Westfield Local Heroes grants program launched in 2018 and recognises inspiring local leaders and programs that connect communities.

Gabriella was nominated for the 2021 Westfield Local Heroes Program by Sir David Martin Foundation, the major funder of Triple Care Farm. Run by Mission Australia and located in Robertson NSW, Triple Care Farm is a best practice youth drug and alcohol program offering withdrawal, rehabilitation and aftercare support to young people aged 16 to 24.

Sir David Martin Foundation General Manager, Helen Connealy congratulated Gabriella on the accolade, saying it is a fitting acknowledgment of the important work that Gabriella and her team are doing each day to change the lives of young people in crisis.

“Gabriella is a Westfield Local Hero and a true hero to those she nurtures, young people with complex needs including substance misuse, mental illness, family breakdown, abuse and trauma.”

“She has a great passion to help others and knows the importance of providing youth appropriate care and a safe place for change.  Through her determination, thousands of young people have turned their lives around to lead positive, healthy lives.

“Under Gab’s leadership we have seen so many young people get a second chance and prepare for new opportunities. Congratulations Gab – you deserve this recognition and we are so proud of you!”

Voting for the 2021 Westfield Local Heroes opens at 9am AEST on Tuesday 10 August via the Westfield Sydney Local Heroes webpage

About Gabriella Holmes, Area Manager: AOD Services South Coast & Triple Care Farm, Mission Australia

Gabriella has helped thousands of young people with complex needs over the past two decades. She is passionate about youth support and working alongside young people to turn their lives around and set them up for a brighter future.

One of her most recent successes was helping her staff respond to the difficult challenges of delivering care safely through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gabriella says it is lovely to be nominated as a Westfield Local Hero. “I love nothing more than to help these brave young people who come to Triple Care Farm.”

“What I see, time and time again, is young people develop a sense of worth and start to connect and have the strength to step out of trauma that they’ve experienced,” she said.

Gabriella is a registered psychologist completing her studies at the University of Wollongong with a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), a Graduate Diploma in Applied Psychology and holds a Masters in Adolescent Mental Health through the NSW Institute of Psychiatry. She is a past president of Network of Alcohol and other Drugs Agencies (NADA).

About Sir David Martin Foundation

Sir David Martin Foundation has been helping young people in crisis for over 30 years. As the major philanthropic partner of Mission Australia, we have raised over $65M since 1990. This partnership has enabled best practice model of treatment for young people with drug and alcohol addiction.

The Foundation is the major funder of Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm, a unique, holistic treatment centre, which each year gives over 200 vulnerable young Australians aged 16-24 a safe place to get well and prepare for new opportunities.

Located in the Robertson NSW, Triple Care Farm offers holistic, innovative and evidence-based programs. There are three stages of the program:  Withdrawal (2 -4 weeks), Residential Rehabilitation (12 weeks) and Aftercare (6 months), providing support for graduates post-recovery as they live back in the community.

Please show your support and vote for Gabriella below.
Voting is open until Monday 30 August 2021.

Read media release – Changing Young People’s Lives

This year’s World Youth Skills Day presented an opportunity to examine what impact the pandemic will have on young people’s work skills and employment opportunities, both now and into the future

World Youth Skills Day is a United Nations (UN) designated event dedicated to the importance of equipping young people around the world with essential skills for employment, work and entrepreneurship.

Established in 2014, the day seeks to create a global dialogue between, technical and vocational education and training institutions, organisations, policy makers and development partners.

This year’s World Youth Skills day 2021 took place in a different context to previous years, being held online, due to the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the event still represented a celebration of resilience and creativity of youth living through the crisis. It also specifically focussed on the situation young people face in regards to skill development and work as a result of the pandemic, and how they have adapted to living through the crisis.

Young people aged between 15-24 may not be at a high risk of developing severe forms of COVID-19, however it is these young people that have experienced the significant socio-economic impacts of the pandemic. The closure of schools and workplaces has led to significant training and work disruptions. Not only has the pandemic majorly interrupted young people’s skill development, education and training opportunities, it has significantly intercepted young people’s life-cycle transitions such as graduation, entering the workforce and market insertion.

The silver-lining of this year’s World Youth Skills Day was that the crisis that we are all collectively surviving has provided us all with the unique opportunity for transformational change and course correction. This was aptly reflected by the 2021 theme: Reimaging of Youth Skills Post Pandemic.

1.8 billion voices demanding to be heard

The tone of this year’s World Youth Skills Day was set by an address from the President of the UN General Assembly, Mr Volkan Bozkr.

Highlighting that there is roughly 1.8 billion young people around the world, that is he said “1.8 billion voices demanding to be heard”, young people who are “searching for jobs, livelihoods, a chance to contribute, innovate and to try.”

Mr Bozkr said that we do a disservice to youth when we deny young people the skills they need to prosper.

“Theirs is a generation of incredible potential and unprevailed reach, all they ask for is the tools to get there.”

“By empowering youth, we quite literally invest in a future for ourselves and a future for our planet. We open the gates to new industries, economy growth and inclusive, transformative pathways for a sustainable, inclusive and resilient future.”

As part of his address, Mr Bozkr called for young people to continue to push for transformations in energy and digital support, and a green recovery from COVID-19. Specifically to demand to be given the opportunities and resources to learn new skills, and have access to the latest technologies and innovations, needed to contribute to the future of themselves and their societies.

“This means embracing network and partnership oriented thinking, encouraging resilience and adaptiveness and forging ahead with that entrepreneurial mindset.”

Read more about World Youth Skills Day 2021:

Visit the UN’s World Youth Skills Day webpage to learn more about the event

Author: Ellee Richardson, Marketing & Communications Intern, Sir David Martin Foundation

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