ABC TV explores Triple Care Farm

We’ve received a fantastic response to last night’s Triple Care Farm story that featured on ABC TV’s ‘7.30’ program.

The segment, ‘A Farm With A Difference’, aired just hours after the official launch of the 'Triple Care Farm: A Safe Place for Change' at NSW Parliament House. The report explores the success of our Southern Highlands program for young people experiencing problems with substance abuse and mental illness.

ABC TV reporter Natasha Johnson spoke with 19-year-old Mat, who started using drugs and binge-drinking at age 13. Last year the young man sank so low that he tried to kill himself:

“I was feeling really depressed. I felt like my life, my whole life had no meaning,” he told ‘7.30’. “I did not have nothing to show for it. I felt like I shouldn't be here.”

Mat is one of 100 young people per year who participate in an intensive three-month residential rehabilitation program at Triple Care Farm. With the support of a coordinated team of specialists, he is learning to take care of himself and get his life back on track.

The story clearly struck a chord with our supporters. Here are a few of the positive responses we received about the Triple Care Farm report launch and resulting coverage:

“Great to see such positive exposure for Triple Care Farm and also to see debate around treatment of drug and alcohol/mental health.”

“It was good to see the program about the Farm tonight. It would be wonderful if more such institutions could be developed.”

“I want you to know how privileged I feel to be supporting, albeit in a minor way, your work in advocating for young persons with combined psychiatric and substance abuse issues.”

“I was able to see the program and what good your people are doing down at the farm.”

“What a wonderful story... Mission Australia has grabbed my heart strings. Please keep me updated.”

“I found the program very interesting, but I’m sure it didn’t show how much hard work goes into the program. The sad reality of life in Australia is that the resources available for treatment of these involved and difficult problems are just totally insufficient to meet the needs.”

For a behind-the-scenes look at this country haven for young people and to hear mental health expert Professor Patrick McGorry’s views on existing services, visit www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2011/s3267996.htm A transcript of the story is also available.

To learn more about this innovative program, download the ‘Triple Care Farm: A Safe Place For Change’ report.

Media Release: Sea change needed in Australia's approach to youth drug/alcohol rehabilitation - report

Australia needs more residential drug and alcohol rehab services for young people and existing programs need to offer complementary mental health care in order to be more effective, according to a new report launched today by the community service organisation, Mission Australia.

The report into Mission Australia's Triple Care Farm - a residential program in the NSW Southern Highlands for young people (16-24 years) with substance abuse issues - says the service dramatically reduces alcohol and drug use, homelessness, and improves employment and training opportunities by addressing addiction and mental illness at the same time.

According to Mission Australia's CEO, Toby Hall, one-in-four young people experience a mental health condition over any 12 month period. Among this group, approximately half suffer from a substance use disorder.

"Despite this, most services continue to offer young people with drug and alcohol problems help with either their addiction or their mental health, not both," said Mr Hall.

"What we provide at Triple Care Farm - and what this new report shows is a far more effective approach - is combining both drug/alcohol rehab and mental health services. For young people, addiction and mental illness are very often related. They need to be managed together, not separately.

"The fragmentation that occurs between some services offering drug/alcohol rehab while others focus on mental illness increases the chances of young people not getting the help they need.

"Meanwhile, Triple Care Farm can only take 100 enrolments each year and yet receives more than 6000 inquiries from around Australia. That level of demand clearly indicates a national shortage.

"In short, there aren't enough services for this vulnerable group and what exists often isn't effective."

According to Mr Hall, the report, Triple Care Farm: A Safe Place for Change - which will be launched by Australia's pre-eminent youth mental health expert, Professor Patrick McGorry, at NSW Parliament House today - provides a blueprint for the provision of drug/alcohol rehabilitation and mental health services to young people.

"The young people who arrive at Triple Care Farm are usually the most challenging cases. More than 90% are unemployed, 70% have mental health issues, close to 70% have criminal histories, almost 50% are homeless, 79% are chronic cannabis users, 46% are chronic alcohol users. They've usually been through program after program but with no effect.

"But at Triple Care Farm, because of our different approach, we've produced some remarkable results. They're even more astounding when you consider this group are wrestling with the biggest problems."

According to the Triple Care Farm report:

Almost one-in-ten (88 per cent) used at least one drug chronically when starting at TCF. Six months after leaving the service almost half (45 per cent) were abstaining from drug use, while more than half (52 per cent) were abstaining from alcohol.

Approx four-in-five (79 per cent) used cannabis at chronic levels when arriving at TCF. Six months after leaving, only 4 per cent reported chronic cannabis use.

Of 160 former TCF clients surveyed for the report, 91 per cent were unemployed when entering TCF. Six months after leaving, almost half (43 per cent) had some form of paid employment. More than one-third (36 per cent) were in training.

31 per cent of the 160 surveyed were homeless at time of TCF intake. Six months after leaving, only one person in this group reported being homeless.

The proportion of young people in independent housing increased from under one-in-ten (9 per cent) at intake to one quarter (25 per cent) six months after leaving TCF.

"The reason for Triple Care Farm's success is simple: it supports the young people in its care with both their drug/alcohol problems and their mental health issues at the same time.

"Triple Care Farm's program has three parts: residential (residents learn how to undertake straightforward domestic responsibilities including cooking, cleaning and doing laundry); therapeutic (residents are supported with the medical, psychological and behavioural issues associated with addiction and mental illness); and education and learning (residents are supported with skills to find a job).

"While the level of drug use among young Australians has stabilised in recent years, it clearly remains an issue for many thousands of young people and their parents. The number of calls Triple Care Farm receives each year attests to that.

"Illicit drug use is also occurring at a younger age: one in four 14-19 year olds has used an illicit drug in past year, one-in-20 in the past week. And there's a higher rate of suicide and accidental overdose among young users.

"There's no question we need more services like Triple Care Farm and existing youth rehab service providers really need to consider adopting its model because the results speak for themselves," said Mr Hall.

Launch of Triple Care Farm: A Safe Place for Change

• 2pm, Tuesday 12 July
• NSW Parliament Theatrette, Macquarie St
• Special guests: Professor Patrick McGorry, Executive Director of Orygen Youth Health
• The Hon Pru Goward, NSW Minister for Family and Community Services
• Media contact: Paul Andrews (02) 9219 2080 or 0409 665 495

Another doorway opens for at-risk youth

Mission Australia, in partnership with Juvenile Justice in NSW, has opened a new rehabilitation centre for youth with drug and alcohol problems.

The 50-acre property located on the banks of the Macquarie River, in regional New South Wales, has been completely remodelled to cater for eight young people aged from 13 to 18 at a time.

The new centre provides a welcome rural setting for youth to receive individualised programs including therapy, counselling and education.

James Toomey, Mission Australia’s National Operations Support Manager, told Dubbo’s Daily Liberal that the program is followed up for a further six months of outreach work after the youth leave The Mac River Centre and re-enter their community.

A community support worker will support the young person and their families when they leave the centre to help prevent relapse.

“The program is unique because of the age group targeted. Because it is aimed at 13- to 18-year-olds. It is recognised there is a need, that their age group isn’t catered for,” said Mr Toomey.

Juvenile Justice NSW Deputy Chief Executive, Valda Rusis, told The Daily Liberal that the centre aims to support young people though education and vocation to lead to a productive and healthy life.

"We have strong community networks in the area. We view this facility as a great example of a community working together to achieve good outcomes for these young people," Ms Rusis added.

This program is based on the model developed at Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm and will help the youth learn routine responsibilities of rural life such as, feeding chickens, tending a vegetable garden and raising poddy calves.

Have your say, young Australians: Mission Australia’s National Survey of Young Australians will draw to a close in just over two weeks time, so act now if you want to be heard.

Photo:  from left, Mission Australia’s Ann Winterton, Talbragar Wiradjuri descendent Coral Peckham, Deputy Chief Executive of Juvenile Justice Valda Rusis, James Toomey of Mission Australia and Juvenile Justice’s Leonie Bender.

Photo courtesy of The Daily Liberal

Still caring after 75 years

Colin Shipway has enjoyed a long connection with Mission Australia, starting out as a volunteer with the Sydney City Mission – one of our founding organisations – back in 1936.

Seventy-five years later, Colin is still passionate about helping people to transform their lives. At a recent event held at the Country Women’s Association in Bowral, NSW, to thank our long-term supporters, Colin reminded guests that while the society has changed, compassion was still very much alive in modern Australia.

Here is an extract of what he shared with his fellow supporters and local Mission Australia staff from Big Heart Enterprises and Triple Care Farm – the Sir David Martin Foundation-supported residential program for young people experiencing homelessness, substance abuse and mental health issues:

“Let’s start at the beginning. In 1860 a young British migrant, Benjamin Short, left England for Australia. In his homeland he had taken part in gospel meetings held by the London City Mission… In 1862 he established the Sydney City Mission, which had the motto of ‘Need, not creed’.

“In 1936, I became a volunteer worker at the Paddington branch of Sydney City Mission… which is where I met my wife. After bible college training, I was invited to join the staff as a City Missionary. I served in Chippendale, Glebe, Waterloo, Newtown and Surry Hills and later in the office.

“In 1949 I was commissioned to set up a youth department and children’s and youth camping program. Sydney City Mission had property near Bowral adjoining the Mount Gibraltar Children’s Home, complete with huts built during the war by the Royal Australian Air Force.

“My wife Rosemary and I as well as staff and volunteers ran camps in Mount Gibraltar for 16 years – and I estimated that 3,000 young people from Sydney benefited from these programs. They enjoyed pictures and campfires, sang, played sport, caught yabbies, swam and went on bus trips. On one occasion when I was climbing with a group of boys, one little fellow grabbed my hand, looked up to me and said: “Gee, I wish you were my dad - and I melted on the spot...

“In the 1960s I was brought into City Mission office to set up a family counselling service and attend to the admission of children into our homes at Cronulla, Woodford and here at Bowral.

At first these homes were for malnourished children or those who needed a holiday in the country, but then more children were coming from broken homes… As society changed, long-time care of children in homes was seen to be inappropriate, so the homes closed and we worked to support child to stay with their own families.

“I was involved with Sydney City Mission for 39 years, working as a City Missionary for 32 - I’m now in my 90th year… I’m happy to say that today all around Australia lives are continuing to be transformed by the ever-increasing work of Mission Australia.”

Thank you, Colin, for your inspiring example and tireless support of children and families in need.

Mission Australia is always looking for volunteers. Find out how you can use your time and talents to help transform lives - missionaustralia.com.au/volunteer-at-mission-australia

QBE Big Dry brings in big funds for Triple Care Farm

QBE staff, customers and suppliers who came together as part of this year’s QBE Big Dry have raised more than $60,000 for Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm – our residential program for young people experiencing homelessness, substance abuse and mental health issues.

The QBE Big Dry, now in its nineteenth year, ended last week at an event held at the international insurance group’s Sydney headquarters.

Among the guests were QBE CEO Frank O’Halloran, Mission Australia CEO Toby Hall, NSW Waratahs team member and Mission Australia supporter Drew Mitchell, as well as Nicholle Sullivan, Supervising Psychologist at Triple Care Farm.

Former Triple Care Farm student Jason also took time out of his studies to attend. He eloquently reassured event guests that their efforts were all for a worthwhile cause. The 22-year-old was referred to the Southern Highlands program last year when he was struggling with alcohol dependence, depression and problem gambling.

Jason flourished during his three-month stay at Triple Care Farm and was awarded a scholarship at the 2010 graduation ceremony. Now studying a Bachelor of Clinical Practice (Paramedics), he said he is eager to give back to the community.

“I really believe in that place – in the structure of it,” he said. “Without the staff there Triple Care Farm would just be a bunch of buildings in the bush. The combination of the place and the people there make it really worthwhile.

“I am happy to speak at any event about Triple Care Farm because they helped me so much,” he said. “I would do anything for them because they’ve done wonders for me – Triple Care Farm changed my life around.”

Mission Australia sincerely thanks QBE for its ongoing and very generous support as well as everyone who participated to raise funds for Triple Care Farm.

For every dollar donated to Mission Australia from The Big Dry, QBE also donated 50 cents to Create Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that seeks to empower children and young people placed in out-of-home care through direct service provision and systemic advocacy.

Find out more about Triple Care Farm here

A proud day for Triple Care Farm graduates

Friends, family, staff and supporters gathered at Triple Care Farm last Thursday to celebrate the remarkable journey made by the 2010 graduates of the program.

End-of-year ceremonies at Mission Australia’s unique rehabilitation program are always special, and this year was no exception with the graduates sharing their experiences through music, song and speech.

The ceremony began with a graduate reading out a poem about how Triple Care Farm had transformed his life. Youth Worker Lindsay Martin then joined graduates in the Triple Care Farm Band to perform Neil Young’s ‘Heart of Gold’ and closed the event with Rolling Stones classic ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’, with Service Manager Gabriella Holmes joining in on tambourine.

Located in the Southern Highlands of NSW, Triple Care Farm is regarded as one of the nation’s most successful residential programs for young people experiencing homelessness, substance abuse and mental health issues.

As Ms Holmes told guests, in 2010 Triple Care Farm received around 6,180 enquiries about its services. This year 101 young people took part in the residential program with a further 90 participating in the aftercare program.

An amazing 100 per cent of participants from Semester 1 are now in stable accommodation. Fifty per cent are in employment and training, while the other half is involved in further education.

After receiving his certificate from Lady Martin of the Board of the Sir David Martin Foundation, a young graduate told guests how staff and volunteers at Triple Care Farm helped him to get his life back on track:

“Before I came to Triple Care Farm I was drinking, taking drugs. I lost my licence and my friends; I lost my girlfriend… basically everything. I felt so down.”

While on the farm, he obtained a bobcat licence, learnt woodwork skills and rebuilt his self-esteem. The young man is now working full-time, has attained a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, rents his own place and hopes to attend university in 2011. Importantly, he is also rebuilding friendships.

“Triple Care Farm has given me a new lease on life. I’m a different person,” he told supporters.

The father of another graduate gave a heartfelt thanks to the remarkably dedicated staff and volunteers who make Triple Care Farm the special place it is.

During the ceremony, Mission Australia Chairman Ewen Crouch thanked the many service clubs, businesses and trusts and foundations that had supported Triple Care Farm in 2010, including The Property Foundation, The Coca Cola Foundation, Illawarra Grammar School and the Nelson Foundation.

Key supporters, including representatives of the Jamberoo Branch Country Women’s Association (CWA), Walton Construction and Kiama Rotary, then each presented scholarships to graduates. The Bowral Branch of the CWA also presented the Mrs Margaret Chambers OAM Scholarship in recognition of Mrs Chamber’s 40 years of service.

There was more cause to celebration when Bruce Odling of Friends in Giving presented Triple Care Farm with a cheque for over $50,000, raised from the group’s annual ball. “By contributing to society, you get so much more out of it,” he told graduates.

Matt Brown, the Member for Kiama and a regular visitor to Triple Care Farm, also presented a $10,000 grant for a gym upgrade on behalf of the NSW Government.

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a lunch expertly prepared by the Jamberoo Country Women’s Association and Moss Vale Lions Club.

Mission Australia congratulates all the Triple Care Farm graduates and wishes them the very best for the future.

Above photo (L to R): Mission Australia Chairman Ewen Crouch and Triple Care Farm Service Manager Gabriella Holmes

Things looking up for Urban Descent

Today is the big day for the brave souls who are taking part in the Urban Descent fundraiser for the Sir David Martin Foundation.

If you find yourself at Sydney’s Circular Quay today you may glimpse Mission Australia’s CEO, Toby Hall, descending from the top of the AMP Building as part of the challenge.

Toby will be joined by Sir David Martin Foundation General Manager, Jannine Jackson, and Missionbeat Manager Daniel Petsalis. For Daniel, the 87-metre abseil will be his first fundaiser involving heights.

Urban Descent begins at 8am, with the last brave abseiler landing on terra firma at 4.30pm. If you’re in Sydney, get along and show your support!

The Sir David Martin Foundation provides funding for a number of Mission Australia’s youth services. All monies raised will assist the Sir David Martin Foundation fund their youth in crisis projects. One of the Sir David Martin Foundation’s key programs is the Triple Care Farm, which provides an environment of peace and healing for emotionally hurt and troubled young people aged 16 to 24.

Triple Care Farm opens its ‘place of meeting people’

After many years of planning, Triple Care Farm has a new multipurpose facility to help students through their journey at the farm.

Ninety guests, students, staff, volunteers, project personnel and supporters attended the 20 September opening of the Buralga building.

Mission Australia's Triple Care Farm (TCF) has been helping young Australians overcome homelessness, substance abuse, mental illness or acute behavioural problems for more than 20 years.

Buralga's journey began almost four years ago when Triple Care Farm’s management realised that the growing demand for the service, and the increasing diversity within the program, would lead to a critical shortage of space.

The new purpose-built facility serves as a space for workshops, a training area for hospitality students, a reception area for families and carers on their first visit, and a consultation space for assessment interviews.

The name, Buralga, was chosen in honour of the traditional landowners – the Gundungurra. Meaning “place of meeting people” in the local language, Buralga was recommended by Adrian Shafer, a Gundungurra Elder and historical researcher into cultural identity.

Everyone at Triple Care Farm would like to thank the many people who have been involved in the building of Buralga over the past 18 months. The new centre would not be possible without your generous support.

Many thanks to the Project Management team:

Rosemary Smithson CEO of the Property Industry Foundation; Alec Horley, Property Industry Foundation Project Manager; Kirsty Bower and Karl Alderson, who are Project Managers from Turner & Townsend; Nic Skulander, Project Manger from Octavius; Jannine Jackson EO of the Sir David Martin Foundation; Leonie Green: NSW/ACT Community Services Director for Mission Australia; Wendy Hildebrand, Mission Australia Operations Manager; Max Ellet, our National Property Manager and Anika Ekholm, the architect who designed Buralga.

Triple Care Farm wins top international award

Senator Moore and Gabriella Holmes

Congratulations to the dedicated team at Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm on winning silver last week at The Mental Health Services Conference 2010 Achievement Awards.

Triple Care Farm won the award for excellence in Infant, Child and Adolescent Services. It was given in recognition of a comprehensive residential treatment program that uses a positive whole-of-life approach for young people with drug and alcohol and mental health issues.

The award was announced on 15 September at the Annual Conference in Sydney. It was presented to Gabriella Holmes, Service Manager of Triple Care Farm, by Senator Claire Moore, who is Senator for Queensland and Chair of the Senate Community Affairs Committee.

Established in 1989, Triple Care Farm (TCF) is a unique and successful residential rehabilitation and treatment program for young people experiencing a problem with alcohol or other drug use. The young people assisted by Triple Care Farm are often homeless, have a mental illness, have family problems, and problems with education and getting work.

The facility covers 45 hectares of farmland in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales and offers young people the chance to develop emotionally, socially and vocationally in a safe and secure environment.

The Achievement Awards are presented every year by the Mental Health Services Conference of Australia and New Zealand to recognise and encourage best practice, excellence and innovation in mental health service delivery. The awards have been presented annually since 1992.

The Mental Health Services Conference is the largest mental health and addiction services conference in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. The conference aims to promote positive attitudes about mental health and mental illness, and to stimulate debate that challenges the boundaries of knowledge and ideas about mental health care.

Triple Care Farm enters Play Now Act Now arts competition

Play Now Act Now, the youth arts competition that uses creative mediums to discuss the issue of drug and alcohol addiction, has received a Short Film entry from the residents of Mission Australia's Triple Care Farm.

Their film, The Farm, sheds light on the journey of residents before, during and after their stay as they take refuge from drug and alcohol addiction while building the skills they need to transition into a safe, stable lifestyle.

View The Farm from this link, or read on about Play Now Act Now here.

Kelly's story

Aged only four years old Kelly* was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, a behavioural condition characterised by social isolation and eccentric behaviour.

By the time she was 17 Kelly had been hospitalised for anorexia and her agoraphobia – an anxiety disorder associated with fear of public places – became worse.

Diagnosed with depression, she began to self-harm and attempted suicide three times. She then turned to alcohol and developed an addiction.

But Kelly’s life took a turn for the better when she completed an intensive 12-week program at Triple Care Farm. With professional treatment from a psychologist, Kelly began to address each of her problems.

Since completing the program in May 2010 Kelly has learnt to manage her multiple mental health issues and has conquered her reliance on alcohol.

She is taking regular medication to control her conditions and receives ongoing counselling from a mental-health service in her home town.

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Spring Appeal

Mission Australia launched the Spring Appeal in August to help raise funds for services that assist young people like Kelly who are battling mental health issues and substance abuse.

How do donations help?

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* Name and image have been changed to protect client's privacy

Help transform a troubled young life - 2010 Spring Appeal launched today

Today Mission Australia launched an appeal to raise money for young people battling severe issues such as mental health disorders and substance abuse.

An alarming 40% of young Australians aged 16 to 24 have experienced a mental health illness at some time in their lives.

This is a crisis that urgently needs to be stopped.

The appeal features Kelly's* story, a Triple Care Farm graduate who has overcome multiple mental health disorders and alcohol addiction. It is a recent example of how Mission Australia transforms young lives.

Each year Mission Australia works with 24,000 of Australia's youth, many of whom are struggling with mental illness. We not only help to identify and treat their problems, we link them to other services for further support.

Timely, specialised treatment is the key to stopping this crisis. By making a donation to this appeal, you will help fund the 93 youth services we operate that are critical to helping young people in need transform their lives.

Support young Australians today! Visit www.missionaustralia.com.au/springappeal

*Name and image have been changed to protect client's identity

'Back-to-School' for Triple Care Farm

Mission Australia's Triple Care Farm has seen it's first round of students for 2010 take their seats in new demountable classrooms.

The 18 students are part of a 12-week program that will aim to reduce the use and harm of drugs and alcohol, increase access to employment and education opportunities, provide counselling and treatment for mental illness and reconnect young people with their families.

The new classrooms allow the students to conduct all their studies on-site, conveniently close to the farm and their lodgings.

The demountable classrooms were transported to Triple Care Farm in the New South Wales Southern Highlands at the end of last year - a mammoth task that was only made possible with the support of Abbotsleigh School for Girls, Walton Construction, Property Industry Foundation, Friends in Giving Society, Kiama Lions club, Sir David Martin Foundation, Margaret Callister, Elaine McKinnon, Linda English and Ian Wells.

Sir David Martin Foundation's Janine Jackson was overjoyed at the arrival. "They have allowed students to be taught in a classroom setting while staying in their residential setting. We really are thrilled and excited by this gift," said Janine.

Triple Care Farm is a residential, treatment and vocational training program for young people aged 16-24 with complex backgrounds.

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Established in 1989, Triple Care Farm is a unique and successful residential program for young people experiencing homelessness, substance abuse, mental illness or acute behavioural problems.

Triple Care Farm covers 45 hectares of farmland and offers young people the chance to develop emotionally, socially and vocationally in a safe and secure environment.

Download the fact sheet from this link...

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Channel Nine's Today show visits Triple Care Farm

This week Channel Nine's Today show featured Triple Care Farm - Mission Australia’s residential program for young people experiencing homelessness, substance abuse, mental illness or acute behavioural problems.

Established in 1989, the farm provides young people with one-on-one support, personal counselling, drug and alcohol counselling and group counselling sessions - more information can be found on the Triple Care Farm web page.

Aired on Tuesday, this is the second installment of a two-part series which will help us raise public support of
Triple Care Farm and overcome the critical shortage in funding.

As reporter Sarah Harris noted "...the critical lack of funding means that the farm can only offer 80 places a year.  Last year two and a half thousand young people in crisis had to be turned away..."

View the story below or check out our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/missionaust

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Triple Care Farm covers 45 hectares of farmland and offers young people the chance to develop emotionally, socially and vocationally in a safe and secure environment.  Read more...

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