Youth AOD Service
Alcohol and other drug use is often thought of as a part of youth culture, however some young people use alcohol and other drugs as a means of coping with things like mental health, stress or peer pressure. As young people’s brains are still developing, young people are at a greater risk of alcohol and other drug related harm.
Our practices are informed by young people and work to reduce harm by building on young people’s strengths and enhancing health, well-being, independence and resilience.
We welcome all people, regardless of race, gender, status, or sexual orientation. We understand that a safe space for growth is created when people feel believed in, valued, listened to and respected. Our centre provides a supportive environment where young people are free to be themselves.
TSA Youth Services
For over 20 years, TSA Youth Services have been walking alongside young people across Australia.
We provide a range of services that support young people to secure safe and stable housing, engage in alcohol and other drug recovery, reconnect with school, explore further training and employment opportunities, become safe drivers and navigate justice systems all whilst promoting positive community connections.
We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential!
To help us achieve our goal of supporting every young person to reach their full potential, we have developed our National Model of Care - Journey to Independence.
The Salvation Army Youth Services has a range of programs for young people, their families and the community. To find out more about The Salvation Army Youth Services in Australia, visit Youth services | The Salvation Army Australia
What is a Model of Care?
A Model of Care outlines how our services are delivered. It sets out our commitment to all young people, children and families. It guides what we say, what we do, how we act and how we respond.
It's our guiding document that ensures everything we do creates intentional and meaningful pathways for young people to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.
Youth AOD Service
The Salvation Army Youth AOD Service, based in sunny Townsville, provides residential and community support to young people aged 16–25 years who are wanting help with their alcohol and/or other drug use. Our focus is harm reduction, with the main purpose being to prevent or reduce harm to young people, their families and the community.
Youth AOD in Townsville offers two core programs:
- Outreach Program – delivered across Townsville, Ingham, Charters Towers and Ayr for young people aged 12–25 years.
- Residential Rehabilitation Service – a structured 3‑month program for young people aged 16–25 years.
The Outreach Service supports young people in their own environment — whether at home, school, community spaces, or anywhere they feel comfortable. The program provides:
- Individual case management, focused on each young person’s goals
- Harm‑reduction education and practical strategies to stay safe
- Support to reduce, stabilise or better manage substance use
- Assistance with accessing health, mental health, education or housing services
- Advocacy and help navigating other systems and supports
- Flexible meeting locations, chosen by the young person
- Cultural support and connection opportunities, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people
- Youth‑friendly, non‑judgmental guidance to help young people feel more in control of their choices
Young people at some time or another may experiment with drugs or alcohol, but for some, drinking or drug taking can become problematic and they may need help to get their lives back on track.
We work with young people to help them achieve their goals. Many young people want to stop using alcohol or other drugs and others choose to reduce or better manage their use. Some are unsure about making changes but want to understand their options and feel more in control of their choices. Whatever their starting point, we provide a safe, non‑judgmental and confidential space where young people can explore what matters to them and work towards healthier, more positive futures. We are committed to cultural safety and inclusion, especially for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, ensuring that each person’s identity, culture and lived experience is respected and upheld. Our support is flexible and youth‑led, focusing on each person’s strengths, aspirations and readiness for change.
The 3‑month residential program can support up to 8 young people in 4 x 2‑bedroom units, allowing each young person to have their own bedroom for comfort, privacy and safety. Our service is flexible and responsive to each young person's unique needs. The program requires young people to participate in group work and individual sessions with their case worker, as well as a range of community‑based activities.
While participating in the residential rehabilitation service, young people are required to be substance and alcohol‑free for the duration of their stay.
These practices support young people to focus on healing and allow them the space and time to begin developing relationships with other young people and staff.
Young people in the residential program are supported by youth and support workers 24 hours a day and have access to the following amenities:
- Swimming pool and recreation hall
- Basketball hoop and pool table
- Transport for off‑site meetings and support sessions
- Access to external services with TSA advocacy
- A gym
- Cooking facilities
- Modern air‑conditioned common areas and rooms
Please refer to our broucher for more infromation:
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For most kids, home time is something to look forward to. For others, the end of the day means fear and uncertainty.
Every year, there are almost 40,000 children and young people who have nowhere to live across this country. Around 9,500 of them are 15-17 years old and thousands more lost their homes when they were children.
Current policies are creating lifetimes of disadvantage by failing vulnerable children and young people. It’s time to fix our housing system through policy change and dedicated investment.
We are calling on federal, state and territory governments to:
- Develop and maintain a national pool of 15,000 dedicated youth tenancies for 16-24 year olds.
- Provide linked support services to enable young people to pursue their individual goals and transition to full independence.
- Address the rental gap to ensure viability for housing providers and landlords offering tenancies to young people who have been homeless
RESIDENTIAL
Case Management Support
Our Case Managers will support young people develop an individualised plan that focuses on:
- Developing life and living skills to prepare young people for independence;
- Addressing issues in relation to health and wellbeing;
- Promoting opportunities to overcome exclusion and isolation;
- Exploring positive pathways to engage in education, training and employment;
- Provide support with advocacy and referrals to other support services
Therapeutic Group Work
By participating in group work programs alongside other participants, young people will have the opportunity to enhance or develop their:
- Relapse prevention skills
- Positive coping skills
- Self-esteem
- Communication skills
Life and Living Skills Program
The Life and Living Skills Program encourages independence, supporting young people to make choices in their everyday life and to participate in the day-to-day activities of the program.
The Life and Living Skills program will help young people take control and make choices about what is important to them.
Our Youth Workers can help young people build their skills in cooking, budgeting, cleaning their home, healthy eating, exercise and living well.
We work alongside young people to create a tailored support plan that will help them develop the essential skills they need for a better quality of life.
Youth Participation
Our program seeks to meaningfully engage young people in all aspects of our work and engage young people on issues that directly affect them through regular on-site youth participation activities and wider community-based projects and events. These activities include:
- Weekly youth meetings
- Weekly recreational activities
- Holiday programs
- Community events
We also have a range of amenities that all young people can access:
- Swimming pool
- Recreation Hall
- Art room
- Basketball hoop
- Pool table
- Common area with access to TV, games etc
The misuse of alcohol and other drugs can have a damaging impact on individuals, families, and communities and that’s why we are here to help. It is important to get support if you or a young person you know, needs help to manage a substance use issue and/or anger issues related to AOD.
OUTREACH
Case Management Support
Outreach Case Managers support young people with problems arising from substance use who are aged 12-25 years, located in:
- Townsville
- Ingham
- Charters Towers
- Ayr
Case managers can meet with young people where they feel most comfortable, for example: in their home or a local community space.
Therapeutic Group Work
Therapeutic group work is designed to increase awareness of the effects of drug and alcohol use and empower young people to make informed and healthy choices.
The service creates a safe environment for young people to voice their concerns and ask questions, providing them with the opportunity to gain skills and awareness to make healthier choices in order to delay, reduce, and prevent the use of alcohol and other drugs.
ENQUIRE HERE
Other contact numbers
National Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Helpline (24 hours): 1800 737 732
(1800 Respect)
Lifeline: 131 114
Kids helpline: 1800 55 1800
If you are concerned for the immediate safety of yourself or someone else, please call 000 for emergency assistance.
Interpreter Service
If you find it difficult to communicate in or understand English, our team will provide you with more information and support you to access an interpreter through the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National). This is free of charge and you can request an interpreter whenever you feel you need one.
Phone 131 450
The Salvation Army Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet and work and pay our respect to Elders past and present.
We value and include people of all cultures, languages, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and intersex status. We are committed to providing programs that are fully inclusive. We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of people of all ages, particularly children.
The Salvation Army is an international movement. Our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in his name with love and without discrimination.