The Tumbelin Alcohol & Other Drug (AOD) Outreach program is an adventure therapy intervention for 13-18 years olds who are struggling with drugs or alcohol. Tumbelin has been delivered by Baptist Care across SA for more than 10 years.
Throughout the program, young people are challenged to consider their AOD use and the impact it is having on their life, as well as identify personal goals where they would like to see change in their own life.
In the past 12 months, we have
- Engaged with 138 clients
- Conducted 14 workshops, reaching 387 students
- run 32 ‘Summit Days’ (adventure days spent outdoors hiking, climbing, riding and more)
- organised 23 expeditions.
Emma’s Story
Emma was young, angry and homeless.
She was barely attending school following a series of suspensions for fighting and was splitting her time between couch surfing and emergency housing. Bright, energetic and ambitious, she knew she wanted a job, independence and a home.
“But I didn’t know how to get there,” she explains, “(so) I just got more heavily into drugs.”
But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she was in danger of losing housing completely.
Tumbelin staff worked with Emma to secure safe accommodation for her throughout the restrictions. They supported her to create the routine she craved and soon she was able to fulfil the requirements for independent housing.
“If I didn’t have that routine, I wouldn’t have got my house so fast. Lucy and Jodi really helped me focus and re-set. Tumbelin was always something to look forward to. I was challenged to do the things I needed to do, but didn’t want to!”
Emma also flourished in the adventure component of the program; channelling her energy into more productive activities such as snorkelling, bush walking, fishing and camping.
Today, Emma has significantly reduced her cannabis use, and completed Certificate II in Kitchen Operations where she discovered a passion for cooking. She’s pursuing a career in hospitality and has recently started a traineeship with a local business!
“I have inspiration now…I’ve learned to calm down and re-focus. I can see other people’s perspectives better…I’ve discovered so many places around here I never knew existed. I loved the adventures… I feel a lot better. I have a good new friend who is supportive, a job, a house and even a kitten!”
