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Childhood trauma is the cause of so many stories of drug and alcohol addiction
This is true for Lisa*. She was just nine when her stepdad started abusing her. After years of sexual abuse, violence and neglect, Lisa was a shell of herself – suffering from panic attacks, severe anxiety and self-harm.
“Eventually, I was relying on drugs and alcohol. I couldn’t face a day without something in my system.” ˗ Lisa
After her third suicide attempt (she was only 15), Lisa made a final plea for help. Luckily she found the programs Sir David Martin Foundation funds.
Young people in crisis don’t need your judgement or your pity. They need your compassion.
They need expert care and a safe space to rebuild their lives.
Abused children like Lisa can’t get better unless they feel safe
When Lisa sought help, she got a place at a treatment centre for young Australians funded by Sir David Martin Foundation. She was supported to manage her mental illness and address the trauma she suffered as a young girl.
Sir David Martin Foundation’s mission is to help young Australians battling addiction.
We fund life-changing services:
Rehabilitation programs
Designed specifically for young people to feel safe and supported so they can recover.
Dedicated youth workers
To support each young person to stay on track when they complete their treatment and return to their normal lives.
Help save a young person’s life with a regular donation
We have already helped over 3000 vulnerable young Australians, with:
-
Zero suicide attempts
-
100% in housing
-
80% engaged in education and employment (pre COVID).
But it costs thousands of dollars to care for each young person. This includes a residential stay of up to 16 weeks and 6 months of care in the community.
We rely on generous donors who believe children confronted with addiction, trauma and mental health struggles deserve a second chance.
A monthly donation is the best way to help keep these vital programs operating.
We need your ongoing support to help young people escape a life of addiction.
Please make a monthly donation to help turn a young person’s life around.
The painful truth is
Suicide
is the leading cause of death for young Australians
93%
of the young people who need our help with addiction live with a mental illness, often undiagnosed.
40%
of Australians requesting help for drug and alcohol addiction are under 30
About us
Sir David Martin Foundation is a 30-year old family foundation, helping young people in crisis. The Foundation is named after the former Governor of NSW and the Martin family continues to drive the vision of Sir David, to give safety, hope and opportunity to all vulnerable young Australians. We are the major funder of Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm, a unique, holistic treatment centre which each year gives over 200 vulnerable young Australians, aged 16-24, a safe place to get well and prepare for new opportunities.
Find help
If you need urgent help right now, please call 000 or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 for immediate 24/7 crisis support.
Visit our Find help page to locate youth drug and alcohol support or services near you
*Names and images changed to protect privacy
