The COVID-19 crisis continues to worsen. Increasing numbers of people have been diagnosed with the virus and, very sadly, we have now had 11 deaths nationally and 6 here in New South Wales. To the families and loved ones of those who succumbed to the virus, please accept, on behalf of the people of NSW, my condolences.
It is very challenging time for the whole community. The loss of jobs is particularly concerning. There is also so much uncertainty around how long the virus will last, what further restrictions will need to be put in place, how many more jobs will be lost.
As Queen Elizabeth said last week:
Individuals and families … around the world, are entering a period of great concern and uncertainty.
Her Majesty added:
We are all being advised to change our normal routines and regular patterns of life for the greater good of the communities we live in and, in particular, to protect the most vulnerable within them.
Difficult as are the constraints that we all have to observe, the message is clear; we have to pull together as a community, engage in self-isolation as much as possible and follow the advice of the Government and NSW Health.
Lives, community health and livelihoods depend upon our concerted actions in doing the right thing. By faithfully observing the governments directions and guidance, the sooner, we as a community, will see the crisis lessen and indeed hopefully abate.
As we increase our physical isolation from one another let’s increase our connection to family, friends and community through phone calls and social media.
We are in this together and we all want to come out of it together.
Source: https://www.governor.nsw.gov.au/governor/selected-speeches-and-messages/show/1024
After Graduation was postponed in December due to catastrophic fire risk at the farm, hundreds of people packed into the Shellharbour Civic Centre last Friday to celebrate the accomplishments of the 2019 students, who had completed the drug and alcohol rehab and detox programs.
As you may know, Triple Care Farm is a youth drug and alcohol service – a youth rehab and detox program for young people aged 16-24 years old. As the primary funder of the program, Sir David Martin Foundation and supporters ensure Triple Care Farm continues to meet the complex needs of youth in crisis from around Australia. Triple Care Farm turned 30 years old in 2019, and we celebrated with a big cake for everyone to enjoy.
The program saves young lives. An alumni, Samantha, who completed the rehabilitation 12 years ago stood up, sharing a sentiment that brought tears to our eyes; “Triple Care Farm saved my life – helped me to find myself and my direction and purpose. When I was considering getting help for my addiction I remember thinking, how could I hold onto this life if death was the only option?”
Students from this year’s graduation class performed music pieces learnt in the music program. The cover of ‘I’m Still Standing’ by Elton John spoke a million words, as a graduate sang like a “true survivor”.
It was a celebration of lives transformed. In a young person’s words; “from the chaotic life of drugs, to goals for my future”. These young men and women are very appreciative of people like you who care about them and believe in change.
For those who support Sir David Martin Foundation, Graduation is a testament to your generosity. You ensure the program is available to youth in crisis.
Thank you for kindly supporting young people, providing them with safety, hope and opportunity.
Images by Rebecca Rosconi Photography.
A Graduate and his mother
Lady Martin with Graduate, Millie
2019 Graduate, Millie, sharing her story
Temperatures were high on the original Graduation date in December 2019. In consultation with the Rural Fire Service, given the size of the event, the isolated location of the property and its vicinity to bush land, the ceremony did not go ahead.
The good news is that a new location and date has been set, and we will still be celebrating the achievements of the young graduates with their family and friends. The ceremony will honour students who completed drug and alcohol rehabilitation and withdrawal in 2019.
Please join us to celebrate the Triple Care Farm 2019 Graduation Ceremony.
Date: Friday 14 February, 2020
Time: 10.30am Morning tea served
11.00am Ceremony commences
12.30pm Light lunch served
Where: Shellharbour Civic Centre, 76 Cygnet Avenue,
Shellharbour City Centre NSW 2529
(Corner of Cygnet and College Avenue)
We hope to see you there!
More than 25,000 young people aged 15-19 years old completed the 2019 Youth Survey. The top three most important issues chosen by the young people are:
- Mental health (36%)
- The environment (34%)
- Equity and discrimination (25%)
While equity and discrimination is the third most important issue for females, alcohol and drugs is the third most important issue for males. Overall, alcohol and drugs came out as the fourth most important issue (21%) for young people in Australia today.
The top three issues identified by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people are:
- Mental health (28.9%)
- Alcohol and drugs (28.1%)
- Equity and discrimination (24.3%)
Not only is mental health more of a concern for young people than ever in the history of the survey, the top four personal concerns raised also relate closely to mental health: coping with stress, school or study problems, mental health and body image.
This year’s survey reveals young people’s great concern for the environment, as well as unacceptable levels of bullying. Positively, the survey indicates around six in 10 young people feel very happy/happy overall with their lives.
Results are shared with governments, Non-Government Organisations, schools and social commentators in an effort to influence the development of policies, services and programs to benefit and support young Australians.
Sir David Martin Foundation is the major Philanthropic partner of Mission’s Australia’s Triple Care Farm.
The pathway to recovery requires a deeper understanding of the young person’s readiness for change. A young person with alcohol and drug addiction will fall into one of the following five stages of change *:
Precontemplation
Young people are not thinking seriously about changing and tend to defend their current alcohol or drug use patterns. They may not see their use as a problem and as they see the positives outweigh the negatives of their behaviour, they are happy to continue.
Contemplation
Young people are able to consider the possibility of quitting or reducing alcohol or drug use but feel ambivalent about taking the next step. Although they still enjoy the positives, they are starting to experience some adverse consequences such as mental health symptoms, disconnection from friends and family, loss of housing or education or problems with the law, physical, legal, social or family problems.
Preparation
Young people have already made a recent attempt to change using behaviour in the last year. They understand the negatives outweigh the positive of their addiction. They are usually taking some small steps towards changing behaviour and understand that change is necessary and urgent. However, some young people at this stage may still decide not to do anything about their behaviour.
Action
Young people are actively taking steps to change their using behaviour and working towards goals and significant change. They are committed and may try several different techniques. However they are still at a high risk of relapse.
Maintenance
Young people are able to successfully avoid any temptations to return to using behaviour. They have learned to anticipate and handle temptations to use and are able to employ new ways of coping. If they have a temporary relapse, they can recover and don’t see it as a failure.
Learn more about how Sir David Martin Foundation helps save young lives through our support of Triple Care Farm – moving them from a high risk of suicide to seeing opportunities and building a brighter future.
source: Australian Government Department of Health
Mental Health Month in October is a great opportunity to raise awareness of mental health issues, particularly for young people.
A report by Suicide Prevention Australia has come at a time where momentum in Australia is high for elevating suicide prevention as a priority for both government and the community.
Sadly, 1 in 2 young people are impacted by suicide by the time they turn 25. Over 10 million Australian adults are estimated to know someone who has died by suicide. This means that suicide personally touches half of the Australian population.
The report clearly states that young people who struggle with alcohol and drug problems are at greater risk of suicide than the general population. In 2017, 41.6% of deaths by suicide in the 25-44-year age group involved people with drug and alcohol use disorders and acute intoxication.
The more commonly recognised suicide risk continues to be mental illness; however, this report does address other life stressors that influence suicidal behaviour, emphasising that suicide prevention is complex.
Suicide is a major issue in Australia, affecting families, friends and the broader community. The report shows the immediate need for further investigation for better support and early intervention to help vulnerable people at risk of suicide, before they reach crisis point.
Learn more about how Sir David Martin Foundation helps save young lives – moving them from a high risk of suicide to seeing opportunities and building a brighter future.
Apply for Triple Care Farm‘s youth drug and alcohol programs.
As the Foundation’s newest Ambassador, Commando Steve, has committed to abseiling 135 metres down a Sydney Skycraper for Sir David Martin Foundation’s annual fundraising event, Abseil for Youth.
As one of Australia’s most recognised and respected fitness experts, he has helped many people to transform their lives through health and fitness. Willis has a background in the Australian Special Forces and is also known for his role on Australia’s Biggest Loser and Australian Survivor.
Abseil for Youth raises vital funds for young people in crisis.
As the major philanthropic partner of Mission Australia, Sir David Martin Foundation has raised over $65M since 1990. This partnership has enabled a best practice model of treatment for young people with drug and alcohol addiction.
Young people’s lives are saved – moving from a high risk of suicide to seeing opportunities and building a brighter future.
This year, Abseil for Youth celebrates its 10th year, having raised over $2.6 million for young people with drug and alcohol addiction and mental health issues.
Willis struggled for years with his mental health and is using his influence and expertise to help people get well. Although Abseil for Youth is a big challenge, the fear of stepping over the edge of a 135m building is likened to the bravery young people in crisis show when they ask for help.
Show your support and make a donation to Sir David Martin Foundation to help young Australians in crisis today.
What is DBT?
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, or DBT for short, is commonly used to treat complex mental health issues like suicidal thoughts and behaviours and Borderline Personality Disorder.
In more recent times, its use has been extended to treat substance misuse issues amongst young people.
The therapy takes a multi-pronged approach, blending mindfulness and meditation with Cognitive Behaviourial Therapy (CBT), interpersonal skills training to promote healthier relationships, managing emotions and distress tolerance.
How does Triple Care Farm use dialectical behaviour therapy?
Triple Care Farm uses dialectical behaviour therapy in a holistic way. All staff members have DBT training, including life skills trainers, youth workers, case managers and even sport and recreation workers.
DBT is integrated into the program in diverse ways, including: roleplays, practising present moment awareness in conversations, learning to cook and even playing Celebrity Heads. As Triple Care Farm senior psychologist, Sarah Green explains, “We try to make it fun”.
In this video, Ms. Green explains how Triple Care Farm encorporates DBT into all aspects of its program.
What does a young person’s Treatment Plan at the Farm look like?
More traditional dialectical behaviour therapy methods are also used during the residential programs, such as mandatory groups and optional one-on-one sessions with a counsellor.
Young people can regularly meet with their chosen counsellor, and integrate other therapies like art therapy and motivational interviewing.
DBT is also taught in skills training workshop, for example, distress tolerance training when a student is struggling with filling out a Maths workbook.
Why does dialectical behaviour therapy work well with addiction?
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy is all about ‘wiring a new routine into the brain. It’s an opportunity to choose a different way to behave to triggers.’
This is why DBT is particularly effective in treating addiction.
By focussing on mindfulness and the present moment, young people learn to “ride the wave” of their urges.
In the accompanying video, Ms. Green explains why DBT is effective in treating addiction.
An innovative model
Triple Care Farm is one of the only rehabilitation centres in Australia to use dialectical behaviour therapy, a highly effective, evidence based therapy model.
In particular, the use of DBT to treat young people battling with substance misuse issues makes TCF a pioneer in its field.
Students continue to use practical DBT skills in their everyday lives after the program, to better cope with difficulties when they arise, and gain a clearer perspective.
DBT Resources
Want to learn more about dialectical behaviour therapy? Below are some useful online resources:
- A modified DBT group therapy manual – For clinicians working with adolescents and young adults experiencing substance misuse
- DBT Regulator – ongoing self-help resources that provides refresher material for both clients and clinicians
- Behavioral Tech – general info about DBT
- Project Air Strategy – the peak organisation for personality disorders, based in Wollongong
- The Smiling Mind – modern meditation and mindfulness tracks
Earlier this year, Triple Care Farm employed its first Lived Experience Peer Support Worker to further help students to integrate into the program and get the best support possible. Jade graduated from Triple Care Farm programs last year and, having made a wonderful recovery, she is now able to bring her experience to other young people in the program.
Tell us about yourself
Music is my main interest and hobby; I’ve been a violinist for 14 years. I also enjoy playing acoustic guitar and singing. I dabble with a few different instruments. Writing songs and jamming with other musicians is a lot of fun. I’m into anything artistic really, I love self-expression and the different ways people go about doing it.
What impact did Triple Care Farm have on your life?
Triple Care Farm turned my life around. It pulled me off the path that I was on and showed me the path I needed to take. The program taught me the necessary tools I needed to function in society, and how to react appropriately when I’m confronted with challenging situations. I was stripped to absolute core with my addiction, at TCF I was given the chance to put myself back together again. I built myself up to be the person that I wanted to be.
How would you describe your new role at the farm?
My new role at Triple Care Farm Is a Lived Experience Peer Support Worker. I’ll be supporting students through their journey. I’ll be using my lived expertise to help the students, and provide hope that recovery is achievable. I’m about to begin studying for a Cert IV in Mental Health Peer Support.
How do you think your experience of having been through Triple Care Farm will impact your role?
Having completed the program myself, I feel that I have a special kind of insight. I can empathise with the students and understand where they’re coming from when they’re expressing their concerns. I know how challenging it can be and I’ve had to learn how to push through those difficult times. I hope to use these experiences to encourage students to keep trying.
What are you hoping to achieve whilst in this position?
The support I received while at Triple Care Farm helped me to understand myself and where I fit in this world. I took on the peer support role because I can use my experience of overcoming addiction and adversity to help someone overcome their own. Not only would it solidify my own recovery, but it would solidify theirs too. I hope to be a point of reference if a student is having doubts. Recovery isn’t always easy, I know that, but it is possible.
Show your support to young people in crisis by making a donation.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of our land and pay respect to elders, past, present and emerging for they hold the memories, the culture and dreams of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and continual relationship with the land and we recognise the importance of the young people who are the future leaders.
At Sir David Martin Foundation our values of celebration and respect ensure that we offer help to all young people in crisis. Sadly, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people are more at risk than most. Indigenous youth suicide is a national crisis in Australia. According to the 2011 Census, suicide was the leading contributor for ‘burden of disease’ for Indigenous young people aged 10-24 (13%). According to Mission Australia’s Youth Survey 2017, Indigenous young people were more likely than non-Indigenous young people to be extremely/very concerned about:
Drugs: 17% compared to 6%
Alcohol: 14% concerned compared to 6%
Suicide: 20% concerned compared to 13%
Discrimination: 20% concerned compared to 11%
Bullying/emotional abuse: 25% concerned compared to 15%
Personal safety: 25% concerned compared to 15%
NAIDOC week brings the opportunity for us to learn from Indigenous Australians and get involved in reconciliation. Let’s work together for a shared future.
Learn more about NAIDOC Week.