IMPACT

We were honoured to participate in ICAP’s annual Charity Day, a global event where the company and its brokers donate 100 percent of one day’s revenue to charitable causes around the world.

The Sydney trading floor came alive with colour and costumes, from unicorns and Disney princesses to Harry Potter wizards and punk rockers — and a few familiar Australian celebrity faces. Between the fun and flair, brokers stayed firmly at their desks, working the phones and raising vital funds.

The atmosphere was buzzing as trades were made, phones rang constantly, and every transaction meant more support for charities like ours. Throughout the day, we had the chance to meet brokers, connect with the other charities involved and witness firsthand the incredible generosity of the financial community.

For more than 30 years, ICAP has donated an entire day’s global revenue to charitable causes, an extraordinary commitment that has supported countless organisations. This year’s Charity Day raised an impressive total of £5,700,000 for charity worldwide.

We are incredibly grateful to ICAP and the staff who chose to support Sir David Martin Foundation. It was a privilege to be part of such an energetic, joyful and generous initiative.

After three years of measuring the expansion of Aftercare and the Youth Network initiative, Sir David Martin Foundation has received the final evaluation report from independent evaluators ACIL Allen. This follows the interim report released in 2024, which included feedback from program staff. The final report builds on this, incorporating interviews with young people and their support networks.

Aftercare is an evidence-based, six-month wraparound support program that helps young people safely transition back into the community after completing residential treatment for drug and alcohol addiction. Youth Network enabled Aftercare to expand nationally in 2022, funding four Aftercare Workers across Mission Australia sites in Perth, Dubbo, Batemans Bay and Triple Care Farm in Robertson, responding to growing demand and unmet need among vulnerable young people.

The evaluation found that Aftercare produces positive outcomes in reducing substance use and alleviating psychological distress. Evaluators found that the program was successful at maintaining low substance dependency following residential rehabilitation, and for some participants, notably reducing psychological distress, with improvements sustained through participation in Aftercare. Young people who fully engage for six months experience the greatest benefits.

Participants and carers consistently praised the tailored support. One young person said, “They made me feel like I mattered, and they cared,” while a carer highlighted the youth-focused environment as safer and more supportive than adult-focused programs.

Developing meaningful relationships with young people, families, and service providers is central to Aftercare. Workers invest time to build rapport, driving clients to appointments or simply spending quality time together. One worker reflected, “Time is helpful. It is the quality of time rather than just ticking a box. What maintains people in treatment is the relationships.”

Since the expansion of Aftercare to additional sites, 328 young people aged 12 to 25 have been supported. Of these participants, 10% identified as LGBTQ+, and 21% as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, reflecting the program’s reach to priority populations often underserved by mainstream services.

Independent analysis also demonstrated that investing in Aftercare is cost-effective, generating a positive return on investment and measurable long-term benefits for both young people and the wider community through improved health outcomes, strengthened wellbeing, and supported participation in community life. These health improvements translate into reduced demand on health services.

The evaluation also identified opportunities to strengthen the program further. Recommendations include enhancing cultural competency, expanding access to specialist clinical, health, and housing supports, deepening community connections, and partnering with First Nations organisations to provide culturally appropriate care.

We look forward to sharing more details from the report with our Youth Network funding partners this year. We are deeply grateful to Mission Australia, our service partner, and to our generous donors, whose support ensures young people across Australia can access life-changing care and build safer, healthier, and brighter futures.

KT Harvey has spent many years walking alongside young people at the very beginning of their recovery journey. As the Clinical Lead at David Martin Place until their retirement last year, KT saw firsthand how significant and daunting that first step can be, and how the right care can make all the difference. David Martin Place is a 10-bed withdrawal unit for young people aged 16 to 24 and is often the first stage of Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm program. It is designed specifically for residents to get well in a safe, secure and encouraging environment.

“It’s the only service of its kind in New South Wales,” KT says. “Young people come here from across the state, and sometimes from interstate, because there simply isn’t anything else like it.”

Young people typically stay between seven and fourteen days, though some require longer support. Importantly, accessing David Martin Place does not mean committing to residential rehabilitation. “People can come for detox only,” KT explains. “It allows them to take one step at a time, without pressure.”

Care at David Martin Place extends far beyond medical withdrawal. Each person receives a comprehensive assessment alongside strong psychosocial and emotional support. Many arrive with complex mental health challenges alongside substance use. “Psychosocial support is a big part of what we do,” KT says. “It gives young people space to start thinking about what they want for their future, often for the first time in a long while.”

KT has commonly noticed a clear shift during a young person’s stay. “Most arrive nervous and frightened. It’s an enormous step. They often come in intoxicated because it can be really hard to walk through the door,” KT says. “As withdrawal clears, you see them open up. They talk more and start to feel better. Watching that gradual change is really rewarding.”

For those who feel overwhelmed by the idea of detox, KT focuses on reassurance. “They’re not held here,” KT explains. “They can leave if they choose. They can stay in contact with family and friends, have visitors, and are supported by nursing staff around the clock. Staff understand how scary it can feel being away from family, their phones and everything they know. It’s about giving them the opportunity to know there is a way out.”

The impact of this specialised care is made possible by the Foundation’s supporters. “Every donation matters,” KT reflects. “The money is so needed and so important in changing the lives of young people. This service is unique, and what might feel small can be enormously significant.”

After many years of dedicated service, KT retired from David Martin Place in December 2025. We are deeply grateful for their leadership, guidance and the profound impact they have had on the lives of countless young people seeking a safe place to get well.

Generosity often begins at home, passed down through shared values and the simple ways families show care. For Edie Cavanagh-Downs, this meant following her sister’s lead. Introduced to Sir David Martin Foundation by her sister Margaret 25 years ago, Edie has been a committed supporter ever since.

When Edie joined Team180, our regular giving program, in 2011, she deepened her connection to the Foundation’s work. As a long-standing supporter, Edie has taken a particular interest in Triple Care Farm, visiting on more than one occasion and seeing firsthand how the program helps young people rebuild their lives. Her ongoing commitment is a powerful reminder that sustained support can create lasting change — with impact that reaches well beyond the individual.

How did you first hear about the Foundation?

“I was introduced through my sister,” Edie recalls. “Margaret was part of a fundraising committee with Lady Martin, and I wanted to support the Foundation too, to help young people facing tough times.”

What is it about the Foundation’s work that resonates with you?

“I wanted to help young people who, for a variety of reasons, need support during difficult periods in their lives. Providing accommodation, education and safety can set them up for a positive, independent future.”

Why do you think it is important to support young people in crisis?

“The world can be overwhelming to a young person experiencing homelessness, drug dependency, or major life changes.

The opportunity to stay at the programs the Foundation funds, such as David Martin Place withdrawal unit or Triple Care Farm must be a wonderful fulfilling experience for a young person to recover from the difficulties they have encountered.”

What would you say to others considering supporting the Foundation?

“I would encourage anyone to support Sir David Martin Foundation in its work to help young people in crisis. A helping hand in the early years can make a real and lasting difference to a young person’s life.”

Through the generosity of supporters like Edie and her family, Sir David Martin Foundation continues to stand beside young people in crisis, offering safety, stability and the chance to build a life full of promise.