Young people in the Hunter region and across NSW have access to a new, intensive alcohol and other drug rehabilitation service, with the official launch of Palm Youth Rehab by the Ted Noffs Foundation (Noffs) in Newcastle.
Palm Youth Rehab is a three-month, residential withdrawal management and rehabilitation program specific to adolescents aged 12 to 17. Taking a holistic, harm-reduction approach, the program supports young people through complex trauma, alcohol and other drug use, and behavioural challenges, helping them safely move forward in their lives.
The new rehabilitation service was funded as part of the Government response to the Ice Inquiry, which aimed to address treatment gaps and improve health and social outcomes, particularly for young people, and people in regional and rural areas. Almost $13 million over four years has been invested in the new service, including capital funding.
Delivered by a multi-disciplinary team trained in trauma-informed care, the program includes individual counselling, group work, family support, education and vocational training, life skills, recreational activities, and in-reach medical care provided by the local health district.
Noffs is one of Australia's largest providers of youth alcohol and drug treatment services, with a proven track record of reducing drug dependency, crime, and mental health challenges in young people across the country.
The new service operates under the Palm therapeutic community model, which empowers participants to take an active role in the day-to-day running of their community, developing accountability, decision-making skills, and social connection.
Young people are supported beyond the program, with up to three years of post-residential case management offered in their community.
Referrals can be made by general practitioners, health professionals, community workers, family members, and young people can also self-refer. An intake worker is available during business hours to support the process.
For more information or to make a referral, contact Palm Youth Rehab by Noffs.
Quotes attributable to Regional Health Minister, Ryan Park:
"This new residential rehabilitation program reflects our commitment to delivering targeted, evidence-based support for young people across the state.
"It's about providing safe, structured care that addresses the root causes of alcohol and drug use, and gives young people the tools to build a healthier future.
"The team at Noffs are known for their dedicated and empowering rehabilitative support, this program will deliver holistic, trauma-informed care and make a tangible impact on the lives of young people in our community."
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:
"This new rehab service is a fresh start for young people doing it tough. With real care, evidence-backed support and a safe space to heal, it's where recovery begins - a chance to reset, rebuild and rediscover what they're capable of.
"What makes this place special is the people. Peer workers who've lived it, professionals who genuinely care and a team that really gets it. It's a space where young people can feel connected, understood and hopeful again.
"At the end of the day, it's about giving young people a place where they feel heard, supported and ready to make real change - something the NSW Government is proud to back."
Quotes attributable to Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp:
"The Ted Noffs Foundation are performing vital work across the country, and I welcome this new program in Newcastle.
"By providing a holistic approach to rehabilitation, Noffs can provide long term and meaningful support to vulnerable young people as they move forward in their lives."
Quotes attributable to HNELHD District Manager Drug & Alcohol Clinical Services, Kylie Whitford:
"We're proud to be working with the Ted Noffs Foundation to deliver this vital service for our young people. Through a collaborative model of care, we can provide early, effective, and compassionate support for those experiencing significant challenges."
"This initiative supports our broader goal of improving access to mental health and alcohol and other drug services across the district, especially for vulnerable populations."
Quotes attributable to Matt Noffs, CEO of Ted Noffs Foundation:
"International research done by UNSW has proven that our Youth Rehab significantly reduces drug problems, violent crime and even hospitalisations. We've done this for decades and the more treatment we have, the safer and healthier NSW becomes."
"Most of the young people in our programs have gone through significant trauma in their lives. The reason why we are a large provider of treatment for young people in Australia is that our program replicates a positive family environment and it's based on over 20 years of evidence and experience."
"While the core of our work focuses on drugs, crime and suicide, the reason we are successful is because we deal with the underlying trauma. We provide a safe space and help the young people we work with to become productive members of society."
"The NSW Government have made a significant commitment toward regional areas that are struggling with issues related to young people, drugs and crime. This goes a long way and we are incredibly grateful."
