Tumbelin Farm is a Baptist Care SA residential rehabilitation adventure therapy program for young men aged 16 to 21 who are struggling with their use of alcohol anddrugs.
Tumbelin is a Ngarrindjeri word meaning awaken and live. Located in the Mt Lofty Ranges about 45 minutes from Adelaide, Tumbelin Farm is a working property and has capacity for four young men aged 16-21 to stay in a therapeutic, community setting. Building capacity for positive, healthy relationships is at the heart of how residents are supported to become awake and alive by addressing their experience of drug or alcohol use and how it has interfered with their life.
Tumbelin Farm residents participate in four areas that make up the day-to-day schedule.
Adventure Life
Getting out into nature and camping, bushwalking, kayaking, rock climbing and mountain biking creates opportunities for young people to take responsibility, discover strengths and learn new ways of being. It also helps clients to experience the rush of achievement, overcome perceived limits and connect their relapse prevention strategies to practical experiences.
Farm Life
Working alongside the team’s farmer, residents assist in the day-to-day management of the property. This could include collecting eggs, feeding the calves, fencing, tending to the veggie garden, building projects, general maintenance and more. Clients gain the experience of a hard day’s work and being part of a team, realising strengths and skills in the process.
Understanding our story and where we’ve come from helps us to look forward. Clients engage regularly with the Counsellor, Case Manager and group work activities to help them understand triggers, implement strategies to overcome cravings, learn about how grief, loss and trauma play a role in addiction and begin their journey of recovery. This is a powerful opportunity for clients to make sense of where they are at, and then launch into a future of hope, meaning and long-term purpose. In addition, we provide support and resources for the clients family, friends and support network as they experience their own journey of change alongside their loved ones.
Home Life
Residents take an active role in ensuring the functioning of the house works. Clients will be part of the roster which covers cooking, cleaning, shopping, putting out the bins etc., all the things required for a normal household to function. Clients learn valuable life skills and are supported by our House Parents who oversee the night component of the journey. Having trusting, nurturing and predictable relationships is a key part of recovery and this is what our Home Life is able to offer.
A resident’s journey with Tumbelin Farm can be up to 12 months and includes the following:
Engagement (1-3 Months) – This includes intake and assessment, withdrawal pathway and making clear the pathway to entry into Tumbelin Farm residential.
Residential Rehabilitation (up to 6 months) – The residential is a 24/7 live-in experience and includes all aspects of the four life’s as described above.
Community Re-Engagement (3 months) – we support clients for up to 3 months after they complete their residential component. This part includes regular phone calls and visits to ensure what started during residents at Tumbelin Farm continues upon re-entry home.
Alumni (ongoing) – clients who complete a minimum of four weeks are eligible to be part of our alumni. Alumni are invited to invest back into the current residents and can include joining in on-farm days or adventure activities as well as other arranged activities.
Your Application
INTERESTED?
1) Check you are eligible…
I live in South Australia
I’m male and aged between 16 and 21
My alcohol and/or drug use is having a negative impact on my relationships, education, employment, health or wellbeing
I’m ready to make changes in my alcohol and/or drug use and participate in all aspects of the Tumbelin Farm adventure therapy program
I can think of one or more people I can ask to support me before, during and after my stay at Tumbelin Farm. These people will be my ‘Community of Support’ (one or more friends, relatives or other people that commit to supporting you during and after your stay at Tumbelin Farm)
I’m willing to commit to staying at the Farm for at least 2 months (3 to 6 months is ideal)
2) Please make sure you’ve read the FAQs before proceeding. If you have any questions, please give us a call.
3) Complete the Application Package and return to:
[email protected] or post to PO Box 185, Mylor, 5153. We’ll send you an email to confirm we’ve received your application.
give us a call (between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday) and we’ll arrange a time to discuss your application with you. It’s essential you call us for your application to progress to the next stage.
“A safe place to be myself and learn about recovery.”
– Tumbelin Farm resident
Our Purpose
Tumbelin Farm is for young people who are willing to:
embark on a journey of change, work at overcoming life-controlling drug and alcohol issues
develop a new sense of hope and purpose; and
re-establish a fulfilling life in the community.
“Staff have helped broaden the picture of what’s possible and how life can look.”
– Tumbelin Farm resident
Meet our Team
About the Program
Before you arrive
If you’re accepted into the Tumbelin Farm program we’ll meet with you and your Circle of Support* a couple of times, and plan your journey together.
Tumbelin Farm is a 100% drug and alcohol free residential rehabilitation program, so you may need to access a withdrawal service prior to entering the Farm to help get your drug and/or alcohol use under control. We’ll help to connect you with a withdrawal service appropriate for you.
As soon as your withdrawal is complete, you’ll enter the Tumbelin Farm community and begin the residential adventure therapy program
*One or more friends, relatives or other people that commit to supporting you during and after your stay at Tumbelin Farm
Each week at Tumbelin Farm you’ll take part in:
Daily Routines e.g; morning fitness, cooking rosters, tasks around the farm
All Tumbelin Farm programs comply with the requirements of the Australian Adventure Activity Standards.
Baptist Care SA is accredited against the Quality Improvement Council (QIC) Standards, the highest accreditation standards within the health and community sector, at an organisational level.
