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 h ..read more

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 ..read more

Members of Sir David Martin 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 heartbreaking, born from workshops with young people in conflict with the law. Through these narratives, the play ex ..read more

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 represen ..read more

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 youn ..read more

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 represen ..read more

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 youn ..read more

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 Strai ..read more

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 doe ..read more

During Mental Health Month we are delving into all the aspects of mental health.   It’s important for young people be supported to care for their mental health.[1] About three-quarters of common mental health problems emerge before the age of 25 years old and learning to manage mental health isn’t easy. However, there are some ways to incorporate mental well-being into our daily lives. Establishing healthy habits and routines can be key in helping to improve mental health. Here are a few simple ways you can take care of your mental health every day: Get a good night’s sleep. Keep a ..read more