Labor promises $12 million to Ted Noffs Foundation

A critical outreach organisation working with young people battling drug and alcohol addiction, homelessness and mental illness would be expanded, under a funding promise from Labor.

• Foundation launches new Street Uni
• March to rediscover ‘neglected’ history
• Pool set for upgrades to prevent public safety risk

The expansion of a critical outreach service working with young people addicted to drugs or alcohol would be secured, under a Federal Labor government.

The Opposition on Saturday announced it would hand the Randwick-based Ted Noffs Foundation $12 million if it is elected to power on May 18.

Established by Reverend Ted Noffs and his wife Margaret Noffs as the Wayside Foundation in 1970, the organisation targets young people struggling with addiction, homelessness and mental illness living in inner Sydney suburbs to beyond.

Team members and chief executive Matt Noffs (right) at the foundation’s headquarters in Randwick. Picture: John Appleyard

In a joint statement from Sydney federal Labor MP Tanya Plibersek, Kingsford-Smith federal Labor MP Matt Thistlethwaite and opposition health spokeswoman Catherine King, it was said the funding would allow the organisation to set up a new residential treatment facility for teenagers aged 13-17.

“The facility will offer a three-month residential program including counselling, family support, vocational education, life skills, and sport,” it said.

“The residential treatment program is staffed by professionals specifically trained in working through trauma, challenging behaviours, and complex needs.”

The Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Tanya Plibersek and Matt Thistlethwaite MP.

The foundation already has two residential facilities in Randwick and Canberra.

Its operations stretch from Sydney to Canberra and south eastern Queensland, and include mentorship, crisis accommodation for drug and alcohol affected youth, homelessness support and early intervention programs for indigenous people.

The funding would also be used to form three new street university programs, which work with young people on the ground to get them off drugs and alcohol and back into school.

Matt Noffs is a vocal advocate of a reform to drugs policy in Australia. Picture: John Appleyard

The foundation runs street university programs in Randwick, Liverpool, Mt Druitt, Canberra and Queensland, supporting thousands of people each year.

The location of the new street universities and residential treatment centre are yet to be determined.

“The foundation provides clinically proven adolescent drug treatment, and they produce results,” the statement said.

“Evidence suggests ice users tend to start in their teens and treatment is more effective the earlier it begins.

“We must ensure young people struggling with drug and alcohol problems receive the help they need to get well.”