Service Development Projects

Financial Sustainability Plan

We assisted Gladstone Mindcare to develop a financial sustainability plan for the period 2024-2026. This included an environmental scan, local community and service provider consultations, and development of a strategic financial plan in consultation with the Mindcare Board

The financial sustainability plan included business development activities focused on refining the Mindcare brand, developing targeted communications and fostering new and existing partnerships. We also developed plans to diversify Mindcare income including through the development of fee-for-service activities, fundraising and expansion of direct service activities.

Lived experience employment model

We assisted the Youth Support and Advocacy Service to develop an employment model that supported people with a lived and living experience to work at the service. Including the voices of people with a lived or living experience of using alcohol and other drug and mental health services is recognised as fundamental to the provision of effective and accessible services.

The project included broad consultations with young people and staff and documentation of a supportive employment model.

Service model & theory of change

We assisted The Salvation Army and Gladstone Regional Council in documenting their new Philip Street Communities and Families Precinct service model, including developing a theory of change and evaluation framework.

The Philip Street Precinct offers spaces and resources for community activities as well as provides support and development services to people who have identified needs.

The model uses place-based and asset-based community development practices to provide inclusive health promotion and community development services to the entire Gladstone community.

Key outcomes for the Precinct include enhanced community engagement and Precinct use, coordinated service provision, and links to community resources.

Long-term Precinct impacts include improved community health and wellbeing, and stronger, safer communities.

Service model & theory of change

We worked with the Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS) Youth Crime Prevention Program (PIVOT) to develop a theory of change, and document their partnership-focused service model, including through consultations with service users.

We have also assisted PIVOT to develop strategic communications to government departments and other service providers.

PIVOT works intensively with young people (and their families) who have repeated engagement with the criminal justice system.

The model uses place-based and person-centred approaches to link young people to the services, people and community assets they need.

The partnership model includes local youth services, Youth Justice, Community Corrections and the Police. There is a strong focus on systems advocacy and capacity building.

Research & service model recommendations

We supported Bendigo Community Health Service (BCHS) to review their alcohol and other drug (AOD) service model, including considerations related to a new strength-based AOD community support facility.

Research was conducted to consider contemporary approaches to providing AOD services and review evidence for effective interventions. Additionally, BCHS staff were consulted to understand local needs and workforce preferences. Data from recent service user consultations was also reviewed.

We developed a report which outlined 8 key recommendations to re-orientate AOD services, help integrate them with other services and community assets, and build AOD workforce capacity to provide more strength-based AOD practice.

Service model & theory of change

We assisted the YSAS Family and Youth Early Intervention Program (FaYEIP) to document their service model and develop a Theory of Change.

We also completed a later outcome evaluation.

FaYEIP is a specialist early intervention program supporting young people (and their families) at risk of developing AOD problems. FaYEIP integrates youth specific AOD responses with broader family support and health promoting interventions, to provide holistic and flexible responses, most often in family homes.

There is a strong focus on minimising harm and preventing escalation to riskier drug taking behaviour through building the capacity of families, retaining young people at school, facilitating access to other health services, and positive community activities.