A new report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare provides an illuminating snapshot into cannabis, Australia’s most popular illegal drug. 

It reveals around 2.5 million people used cannabis in the previous 12 months in 2022-23. Cannabis also dominates Australia’s illegal drug market and accounted for over 1 in 2 illegal drug seizures in 2020-2021.  

Not everyone who uses cannabis experiences adverse effects, but sustained use can lead to dependence and have adverse psychological consequences. The report indicates that around 1 in 5 people who use cannabis were identified as having moderate or high-risk cannabis use, and 1 in 10 reported that they could not cut down their cannabis use even if they wanted to. 

Notably, young people aged 14-19 were disproportionately affected by high-risk use, as were females and those with a mental illness diagnosis. People under 30 were also more likely to have recently used cannabis than those in older age groups.  

This report provides a vital glimpse into Australia’s cannabis use. By seeing who is most at risk of harmful use, we can better reach out to help those who may be affected.  

The full report is available on the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare website. 

If you or someone you know needs help with substance use, call the Alcohol and Other Drugs Information Service (ADIS) on 1800 250 015.

Twice as many young people have received Aftercare across Australia in the first twelve months of Youth Network. 

Aftercare is an evidence-based six-month wraparound support program to help young people transition safely back in the community after completing residential treatment programs. This vital program helps break the cycle of drug and alcohol addiction and connects more young people with community, housing, education and employment pathways.

Youth Network, an initiative by Sir David Martin Foundation, is an expansion of Aftercare which was driven by high demand and unmet need to help vulnerable young people with drug and alcohol addiction.

Thanks to our generous donors and in partnership with Mission Australia, we expanded Aftercare nationally to four youth Residential Rehabilitation sites in Perth, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo and Batemans Bay.

Results in the first 12 months from this expansion include:

All the young people we supported in the first 12 months continue to make real and lasting change – majority have reported a reduction in chronic substance misuse, 62% showed a reduction in mental health concerns, 89% had access to safe and stable housing and 68% were engaged with education or employment pathways.

An independent evaluator is working across all sites to assess the impact and efficacy of the network over a three-year period.

Results: January 2023 – December 2023

Number of young people helped

Improved health and wellbeing

Safe and stable housing

Education and employment

 

Sir David Martin Foundation thanks Mission Australia, our service partner. Mission Australia owns and runs Triple Care Farm and delivers the Aftercare programs for Youth Network. 

 

*Mission Australia ceased providing residential services in Coffs Harbour at Junaa Buwa! after 12 years, in June 2023, due to a change in Government contract, and were therefore only a part of the Youth Network for the first 6 months.

The latest National Drug Strategy Household Survey has just been released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. This report, released every three years, explores Australians’ use of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs. The report provides insight into young people’s use of alcohol and other drugs. 

While historically men have been more likely to use illicit drugs, the survey revealed that for the first time young women aged 18-24 were as likely to use illicit drugs as young men of the same age. In 2022-23, 35% of females aged 18-24 reported recent use of illicit drugs, up from around 27% in 2019, while recent use among young men remained stable at 35%.  

Risky alcohol consumption also increased among young women, narrowing the gap between men and women in this age group. In 2019, males aged 18-24 were much more likely to consume alcohol at risky levels than females of the same age, with 47% of males compared to 35% of females. However, in 2022-23, 45% of males consumed alcohol at risky levels compared to 40% of females, the smallest gap seen since 2001.  

The 2022-2023 survey analysed trends in vaping for the first time. Interestingly, it also shows that while tobacco use has fallen among young people, vaping is more widespread, with 49% of young people aged 18-24 reporting they had tried an e-cigarette in their lifetime. This makes them the age group where vaping is most common. 

The full report provides a detailed and insightful picture of how Australians are using alcohol and other drugs, who is most at risk, and what the impact on young people is. 

  

Read the full report at www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey/contents/about. 

Members of Martin Youth Foundation staff and Youth Advisory Group recently had the opportunity to witness a powerful and thought-provoking performance of “Saplings” at the Australian Theatre for Young People in Sydney. This captivating play, written by Yuwaalaraay playwright Hannah Belanszky and directed by Kalkadoon director Abbie-lee Lewis, delves deep into the complexities of the youth justice system.

“Saplings” presents a collection of stories that are both hilarious and heart breaking, born from workshops with young people in conflict with the law. Through these narratives, the play explores the challenges faced by young individuals as they navigate through the justice system and grapple with adult consequences.
The characters in “Saplings” – Yani, Kai, Shanika, and Lachlan – each have their own hopes, dreams, and struggles. From wanting to go to the Easter Show to seeking a sense of home, their desires are relatable yet complicated by their interactions with the justice system. As the play unfolds, it raises important questions about how young people grow and thrive when faced with systemic barriers and societal expectations.

Set to a rap and hip-hop soundtrack composed by young people in the youth justice system, “Saplings” offers an honest and raw portrayal of the experiences of some of our most vulnerable youth. The performance leaves a lasting impression, challenging audience members to reflect on the injustices inherent in our current system and the urgent need for reform.

After the special youth sector performance of Saplings, Youth Action launched their new youth justice initiative, “A Fair Go for Young People: Invest in young people because the consequences aren’t minor.” This Youth Justice Throughcare campaign aims to improve supports and services for young people in conflict with the law, advocating for early intervention and comprehensive support systems.

As we reflect on our experience at the Australian Theatre for Young People, we are reminded of the transformative power of believing in young people. Martin Youth Foundation remains steadfast in our vision to give safety, hope and opportunity to vulnerable young people in Australia.

 

 

 

As part of the launch of the 2023 Annual Report, we were honoured to work with young artist, KC Rae. KC Rae is a Kamilaroi woman who created the artwork ‘Connection: Walking Together’ to reflect the values of the Foundation, particularly the idea of connection. This special artwork represents the journey of walking together and healing that young people embark on when recovering from addiction.

The artwork is the first Aboriginal artwork to be featured in our Annual Report, and we are so proud to showcase it.

The elements of ‘Connection: Walking Together’ connect and weave together to represent the many facets of the healing process. Each feature of the artwork holds meaning, reflecting a different step in the journey.

Watch KC Rae speaking about the artwork below.

A few of the elements in the artwork are:

KC Rae highlights the significance of family and friends on the path to healing. “There are quite a few elements representing the family and friends aspects as this is such a key element to reconnecting to our stories and journeys,” she says.

The idea of pathfinding is also central to the artwork. KC Rae describes pathfinding as “The different paths that we can choose throughout our life journey and how that impacts the directions that we take and the healing that we take.”

“The overarching story throughout this piece is a reminder that there is strength to be found in personal healing, as well as joint healing through community and family and friendship reconnection,” KC Rae says.

‘Connection: Walking Together’ is featured on the first page of the Foundation’s 2022-2023 Annual Report. We are so thankful to KC Rae for creating this beautiful, meaningful artwork. It embodies the values of Sir David Martin that guide the Foundation and it encapsulates the journey we support so many young people on.

We are honoured that our Patron, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, the Governor of New South Wales, has shared this message of support to introduce Sir David Martin Foundation’s 2022-2023 Annual Report.

As Governor of New South Wales, Sir David Martin was deeply concerned about young people caught up in a spiral of drugs, alcohol, homelessness, and abuse, and advocated for their welfare. Since his passing and the establishment of the Foundation in 1990, more than $70 million has been raised to enable best practice treatment for youth drug and alcohol addiction, building a remarkable legacy of life changing and life-saving impact.

In 2020, I was asked by the Foundation to launch Evolve 2020, a research report commissioned to study best practice treatment for young people who are using drugs and alcohol and identify areas of unmet need and demand in treatment and programs. The report gave clear recommendations which have informed the Foundation’s strategy in the years since, including the launch of Youth Network which focusses on aftercare to support young people after treatment and assist engagement with education, employment, and community.

To understand the personal impact of the work of the Foundation, I’d encourage you to read the three personal stories that are included in this year’s annual report. One young person said of her time at Triple Care Farm: “It’s given me a chance at life that I never would have had otherwise, and it has truly changed the direction of my whole life.”

To Lady Martin, the Martin family, the Board of Governors, and staff and volunteers, past and present, I convey my heartfelt thanks to the Foundation’s partners, donors and supporters. Through your support we will continue to realise Sir David Martin’s vision of ‘providing safety, hope and opportunity to all vulnerable young Australians.’

Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC
Governor of New South Wales

We thank Her Excellency for her support of young people in crisis, and for fostering a strong connection between the Foundation and the Governor’s office.

Mission Australia’s annual Youth Survey has been released, revealing that the biggest issues for young people are the environment, equity and discrimination, the economy, and mental health. 

This is the largest survey of young people in Australia, with 19,501 young people aged 15 to 19 participating.  

Helen Connealy, CEO of Sir David Martin Foundation, congratulated Mission Australia on the 2023 survey.  

“To help young people in crisis, we need to know what issues are affecting them. The Youth Survey gives us such unique and valuable insight into what matters to young people. We are so proud to partner with Mission Australia to support young people when they need it most,” she said. 

At a glance

Mental health, alcohol and drugs

Alcohol and drug use affected a smaller number of young people but was still noted as a significant issue. Over 1 in 10 young people cited alcohol and other drugs as one of the most important issues in Australia today (12.1%).  

Amplifying the voices of young people 

Sir David Martin Foundation supports services that meet young people where they are and give them the help they need.  

The Youth Survey is a unique opportunity to hear the issues that are most important to young people so that we can better help them when they need it. By listening to the issues they are concerned about and amplifying their voices we hope to ensure their valuable input is not forgotten. 

Sir David Martin Foundation is proud to stand in solidarity with First Nations communities in their ongoing campaign for sovereignty and self-determination. We believe there needs to be crucial and urgent action for the traditional custodians of this land to receive the acknowledgment, respect and equality that they deserve.

In step with what we believe, we have signed the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) Statement of Solidarity with First Nations Communities. The statement brings acknowledgement to the ongoing injustice and institutionalised racism that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples face, calling for action to end this disparity.

“As a community sector, we commit to:

It is a crucial time to unite in solidarity with First Nations peoples. We cannot change what has happened in the past; but now we can build a future that brings justice and equality, the way it should have been a long time ago.

You can read and sign the Statement of Solidarity with First Nations Communities here.

Sir David Martin Foundation is excited to announce that we have joined the campaign to raise the age of criminal reponsibility in NSW.

 

Together, we can #RaiseTheAge in NSW.

We are coming together with First Nations organisations, peak bodies, frontline services, workers, human rights advocates and legal experts because we not only understand the issues – we can build a better way.

In NSW, kids as young as 10 can be arrested. The earlier children come into contact with the system the more likely it is that they have ongoing contact with the system.

This contact is traumatic, and it doesn’t deliver safer communities.

Children become teenagers, teens become young adults and adults become parents. All children deserve to flourish and thrive.

The campaign in NSW is building significant momentum and we encourage you to be a part of that. Organisations and individual supporters can join us.

——-

If you would like more information about the Raise the Age campaign, please reach out to [email protected]

 

 

When Sam was 19, her doctor told her mother she would need “full time care for the rest of her short-lived life.” 

In three short years, Sam’s life had unravelled following a spinal injury when she was just 16. An opioid addiction (from prescribed pain killers) had escalated into frequent binge drinking, cannabis consumption and taking “whatever drugs were around”. She was then diagnosed with schizophrenia. 

After being admitted to Triple Care Farm for rehabilitation, she faced some of the hardest times of her life, but with her dedication and the support and therapy she received, she stopped hearing voices in her head. She wasn’t paranoid anymore. 

After leaving the farm, Sam went from strength to strength, completing a degree in Paramedicine and working full time.  

Now, three years after finishing her degree, we caught up with Sam, who is still doing incredible things. Here is her update. 

“For the past two years I worked in an inpatient hospital setting where I shared my lived experience, supporting other consumers accessing the mental health and alcohol & other drugs services. 

I am taking a 6 month break from working within the acute setting and will be working in the community, where I will work longer term with consumers on their recovery and goals.   

I never thought I would have left Triple Care Farm and be where I am today. When I left, fear was all I remember. The “what if’s?”. What if I fail? What if I use again? What if I die? What if I let everyone down? I now understand that fear is a positive because it keeps me accountable and self-aware. 

On my last day at Triple Care Farm I stood up and gave a speech. I remember looking and seeing the tears my mum had. I felt like I’d achieved being a daughter again. I remember saying to my mum, “Today is the start of the rest of my life,” and today this is still so true.   

When I left the Farm my biggest challenge at first was accepting my past and being okay to talk about it. After 15 years my biggest challenge is the way society ‘normalises’ alcohol. The stigma that stills comes with mental health and addiction. 

I want to tell young people facing addiction that your past is not who you are today. Just trust yourself, hold onto hope and allow yourself to feel the struggles. They make you who you are.  

One thing I think it’s easy to forget is that recovery never stops. We say it is a journey that continues to change.  

We talk about depression and anxiety in the media, but addiction is not as talked about because there is such stigma and shame. Having both, and living with both every day, makes that battle never ending. We carry our own self-bias and stigma due to this and sadly it impacts recovery in so many different ways. When people understand both mental health and addiction, it makes so much more sense.”

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