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
A new report released today by Mission Australia reveals that young people who said COVID-19 was their biggest issue in 2020 were most concerned about the impact of the pandemic on their education, experience of isolation and mental health. The young people hardest hit by these issues were those living in Victoria, and 17-year-olds were most likely to say their education was severely impacted by COVID-19.
The Young Voices of the Pandemic: Youth Survey COVID Report 2020 brings to life reflections on the experience of living through the pandemic between April and August 2020 through voices and perspectives from young people in Australia aged between 15 and 19.
Young Victorians were more likely to report COVID-19 was the biggest issue they had been facing than their peers in other States and Territories. Additionally, young people in Victoria were more likely to be concerned about COVID-19 affecting their education, isolation and mental health than young people residing in other States and Territories.
Nationally, four in 10 (41.1%) respondents who said COVID-19 affected their education were 17 years old, indicating those in their senior years of school were severely impacted by the pandemic.
More than one third (34.4%) of respondents who reported COVID-19 and education was their top personal concern were living in Victoria.
Almost half (43.9%) of the young people who revealed personal concerns in relation to the impact of COVID-19 on being and feeling isolated were living in Victoria. Nationally, more than two thirds of those reporting mental health concerns due to COVID-19 were young females (68.9% of females compared with 23.9% of males).
Young people affected by COVID-19 described disruptions to their everyday lives as making them feel worried and stressed and without access to their usual supports.
Mission Australia’s CEO, James Toomey said: “These findings make clear the breadth and depth of the toll that COVID-19 has had on young people living in Australia. Major disruptions to education, increased isolation from peers, family and community, and mental health concerns understandably featured heavily within young people’s responses.
Thank you to all who joined us at last Thursday’s crowdfunding event, powered by The Funding Network Australia
What an incredible evening! We laughed, we cried… it was such a positive and feel good event, We are delighted to share that we well and truly exceeded our target and raised $165,300 for young people in crisis. All funds raised will support Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm – whose lifesaving programs were showcased on the night.
Watch the full event
Make a pledge
Are you ready to join the crowd and experience a brand new way of giving? Join Sir David Martin Foundation and MC James Valentine at our very special virtual crowdfunding event on Thursday 17 June, LIVE from the Australian Stock Exchange (online from 6.15pm for 6.30pm start).
This hybrid event (powered by The Funding Network Australia) will harness collective goodwill to help vulnerable young Australians break the cycle of addiction and connect with life-changing education & employment pathways.
MC’ed by brilliant ABC Broadcaster James Valentine, this fun & interactive event will see three guest speakers deliver 6 minute ‘shark tank’-style presentations showcasing lifesaving programs from Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm. This is followed by an exciting live-pledging session, where you will experience the adrenaline of collective giving. There’s no cost to attend and no obligation to donate.
Physical seats are limited, but there’s plenty of space to get involved and join the action online! From the comfort of your own home you can settle in and experience the feel-good power of giving, as young lives are changed with the click of a button!
Meet our event speakers who will showcase the life-saving programs helping young people in crisis to get well and prepare for new opportunities.
You can find out more by contacting Jenny Leahy at [email protected] or simply register here. See you there!
Sir David Martin Foundation Board Chair, Captain Will Martin RAN (Rtd), has welcomed the appointment of Ramsay Health Care Deputy Chair, Mr Peter Evans to the family foundation’s Board of Governors.
“This is an incredibly exciting appointment for our Board,” said Captain Martin. “Mr Evans has been a loyal and generous supporter of our Foundation for over 20 years, helping to realise my father’s vision of safety, hope and opportunity for young Australians in crisis.”
“In accepting our invitation to join the Board of Governors, Mr Evans is now also contributing his extensive corporate, health care and philanthropic expertise. This will be invaluable as we continue to build a robust and forward thinking Board to navigate our Foundation’s future success.”
Mr Evans has held senior management positions with Ramsay Health Care since 1969 and is currently Non Executive Deputy Chair. He is also a founding trustee of the Paul Ramsay Foundation, which actively supports Australian organisations to break the cycle of social disadvantage and create thriving and sustainable communities.
“I am delighted to accept the invitation to join the Sir David Martin Foundation Board of Governors, and look forward to working alongside the Martin Family and fellow Governors to help more young people in crisis,” said Mr Evans.
Download the full Media Release
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.
About Peter Evans
Peter Evans joined Ramsay Health Care in 1969 and served as a Non-Executive Director for 24 years before being appointed Deputy Chairman in 2014. He is a Chartered Accountant and, prior to joining Ramsay Health Care, was in public practice for over 20 years with the predecessor firms of KPMG. He specialised in the financial management of hospitals and has more than 45 years’ experience in the healthcare field. Peter has been actively involved with several other charitable organisations over many years including the Southern Highlands Foundation, Hope Health, Church Army, Shoalhaven Anglican and the Anglican Diocese of Sydney. Mr Evans is a Founding Board member of the Paul Ramsay Foundation.
About Captain Will Martin RAN (Rtd)
Captain Will Martin RAN (Rtd) was appointed Sir David Martin Foundation Board Chair in late 2020. Following a distinguished 34-year career with the Royal Australian Navy, Will is now a Director of Waterline Leadership and an accomplished professional speaker and certified organisational coach. As Board Chair, he continues his family’s long-standing tradition of service and philanthropy, which was formalised in 1990 by the establishment of the Sir David Martin Foundation. Will has served on the Board since 2015, alongside his mother Lady (Suzanne) Martin OAM, who is a founding Governor of Sir David Martin Foundation.
Our 2021 Tax Appeal shares Lily’s inspiring story of how treatment at Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm not only saved her life, but also saved her fragile relationship with her mum Jean.
“I am just so grateful… without Triple Care Farm, I would probably be delivering a eulogy today,” said Lily’s mum Jean* tearfully as she addressed her daughter Lily’s graduation ceremony.
It was New Year’s Day 2019 when Lily* admitted she needed help. Her Mum remembers the day vividly.
“Lily had been very unwell for such a long time – both physically and especially mentally. Our relationship was fragile, and I was really scared that I would lose her.”
Like the 93% of the young people arriving at Triple Care Farm, Lily was living with a mental illness. Self-medicating and self-harm became the norm for Lily.
“I was not in control of my life from the age of 15. Desperately seeking relief from anxiety, depression and thoughts of suicide, I was dangerously self-medicating,” admits Lily.
Both mum and daughter now agree, without hesitation, that Lily was headed for tragedy. Their relationship was also suffering, as they struggled to navigate addiction, mental illness and Jean’s own chronic health challenges. Something had to give, and it did the night a young person sadly lost his own life due to a drug overdose at a music festival Lily was attending.
The next day Lily put in an emotional call to Jean.
“‘I need to go somewhere,’ and Mum responded, ‘I think you do too.’ Thankfully, I was soon at Triple Care Farm. First at David Martin Place and then in the Rehabilitation program,” explains Lily.
You saved my life
When we recently spoke to Lily, her mum Jean was sitting by her side. They laughed together, and even cried a little, remembering the tumultuous journey they’d been on together. Their bond is strong.
Two years after leaving the program, Lily is now in a healthy, loving relationship, working part time and studying. She dreams of a professional career in publishing and knows she would have struggled to be where she is today without the help she received when she needed it the most.
“I’m just so grateful to the donors and everyone at the farm. You saved my life.”
We need your help
As the end of the financial year approaches, we urgently need your help to continue supporting the lifesaving work of Triple Care Farm’s Withdrawal, Rehabilitation and Aftercare programs.
Thank you Lily & Jean
Need support?
If Lily’s story raises any uncomfortable feelings for you, please reach out for help.
Family Drug Support Australia (FDS): offers 24/7 support and assistance to parents, families and carers who are dealing with a family member who is using drugs. Call their Support Line on 1300 368 186 (24/7 hrs) or visit fds.org.au
Lifeline Australia: 24/7 crisis support: Call 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au
Triple Care Farm: For information about Triple Care Farm intake visit Apply for Trip
On Friday evening our Youth Ambassador, 22-year-old Elli Reinhard, won the NSW/ACT Young Achiever of the Year Award in the Wellness and Health Category. This is an incredible achievement by Elli, and a fitting acknowledgment of her hard work, determination and courage. It is also a tribute to the help she received at Triple Care Farm and through the Aftercare program.
The award recognises resilience and empowerment by young people who seek to improve a community or individual’s health and wellbeing.
It was a double celebration on the night, as Jasper Garay (Darkinjung/Ngarigo), a member of our Foundation’s newly formed Youth Advisory Group, was also honoured as a finalist in the Aboriginal Education category.
“Will Martin, Anna Beaumont and I had the privilege of sharing the evening with Elli, Jasper and all the other young people recognised for their achievements,” said General Manager, Helen Connealy.
“We were very humbled at their accomplishments and bravery. Congratulations to all!”
You can view some photos from the event below. Well done Elli & Jasper!
Congratulations to the team at Triple Care Farm, who have received the Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies (NADA) Award for Excellence in Research and Evaluation for its Dialectical Behaviour Therapy program. This award recognises individuals or organisations that contribute to building the evidence base for practices to reduce alcohol and other drugs related harms.
Heartfelt congratulations to Gabriella Holmes and all the team at Triple Care Farm, including everyone that developed and evaluated the program, and those who facilitate it each day at Triple Care Farm.
You can read more about the NADA Awards and other 2021 winners and finalists here and learn more about Triple Care Farm’s DBT program at What is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy?
About Triple Care Farm
Triple Care Farm is a youth drug and alcohol program offering withdrawal, rehabilitation and aftercare support to 16-24 year old Australians.
Located in the NSW Southern Highlands, Triple Care Farm offers holistic, innovative and evidence-based programs.
The Withdrawal Program is for 2-4 weeks, Residential Rehabilitation Program is for 12 weeks and all graduates receive up to 6 months of Aftercare to support them in the community. The young person’s voluntary commitment to their treatment is vital.
Sir David Martin Foundation is the major funder of Mission Australia‘s Triple Care Farm, aiming to give vulnerable young people a safe place to get well and prepare for new opportunities. Through Triple Care Farm and the individual’s commitment, young people’s lives are saved – moving from a high risk of suicide to hope for a brighter future.
Read more about Applying to Triple Care Farm
We are delighted to announce Sir David Martin Foundation’s inaugural Youth Advisory Group as part of Youth Week 2021.
The group has formed to ensure that a strong youth voice guides and influences the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to help young people in crisis.
The founding members of the Youth Advisory Group are:
- Jasper Garay (Darkinjung/Ngarigo) Associate Lecturer at the University of Sydney School of Public Health and Finalist in the 2021 NSWACT Young Achiever Awards (Aboriginal Education).
- Elli Reinhard Sir David Martin Foundation Youth Ambassador and Triple Care Farm Graduate. Finalist in the 2021 NSWACT Young Achiever Awards (Health and Wellbeing)
- Lucy Stronach Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations
- Corey Tutt 2020 NSW Young Australian of the Year and founder of Deadly Science.
“The creation of this Youth Advisory Group is a really exciting step forward for the Foundation,” said General Manager, Helen Connealy.
“We are so pleased to bring together this accomplished group of young people, who through their personal experiences, employment and volunteer work are very much connected to youth across different communities.”
“By listening to their thoughts and ideas, we will deepen and broaden our understanding of the issues affecting young people today, and in turn encourage more young people to reach out for help when they need it.”
Ms Connealy said the creation of the Youth Advisory Group will support the Foundation’s future strategic directions.
“Our Foundation has been providing care for youth in crisis for over 30 years, as the major funder of Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm youth drug and alcohol treatment facility.
“With the help of our donors, each year we give over 200 young people aged 16-24 a safe place to get well and prepare for new opportunities. This includes residential withdrawal and rehabilitation treatment programs and six months of Aftercare support as the young people return to the community and build pathways to education, employment and independent living.”
“We care about the things that matter to young people. To be in a position to offer best practice care and support to young people, it’s essential that we hear their concerns and approach their physical, mental and emotional health needs in a non-judgmental and authentic way.”
Youth Week 2021 runs from Friday 16 April to Saturday 24 April 2021. To find events happening near you and to get involved, visit Youth Week 2021.
Jasper Garay (Darkinjung/Ngarigo)
Elli Reinhard
Lucy Stronach
Corey Tutt
Read the full biographies of our Youth Advisory Group members.