Tumbelin Farm – a new pathway for SA’s vulnerable youth.

A new residential rehabilitation pilot program for young South Australians struggling with alcohol and drug use will be established by Baptist Care SA thanks to a $2,996,593 Federal Government grant announced today.

In a major boost for overstretched drug and alcohol treatment services in SA, the multi-million dollar grant will be used to introduce a residential rehabilitation facility on the Fleurieu Peninsula as an extension of Baptist Care SA’s successful Tumbelin youth program.

For more than a decade, Tumbelin (a Ngarrindjeri word which means ‘Awaken and Live’) has provided shared group experiences and outdoor, adventure-based, experiential programs as a powerful forum for learning and change.

Baptist Care SA has already successfully grown the program to empower young people at risk of long term unemployment – increasing their self-awareness, ability to participate in healthy relationships and building skills for their future.

Tumbelin Farm, as the new residential facility will be known, will extend existing expertise and services and provide up to 12 months support for up to 48 young people, drastically increasing community access to best-practice drug and alcohol treatment services for young people in South Australia.

The Farm will be available to young people aged 16-21 from metropolitan and regional areas across the state, as well as 14-15-year-olds on a case-by-case basis.

Baptist Care SA will immediately commence establishment of the residential rehabilitation facility and expand their skilled team, with the first intake of young people anticipated later this year.

Baptist Care SA CEO Graham Brown applauds the Federal Government for the funding grant and says Tumbelin Farm will help address a major service gap in South Australia.

“There is significant unmet need in South Australia for support services that help young people overcome alcohol and drug misuse and forge a pathway to a positive future,” he said.

“This significant grant from the Federal Government will enable Baptist Care SA to implement an innovative and sustainable program to help at-risk young people, while also contributing to positive generational change in disadvantaged communities right across the state.”