First Step Program

The move to 18 Mitford Street, St Kilda is about more than just a larger space — it’s about creating a place where our clients feel valued, respected, and supported. At First Step, we know that a welcoming, dignified environment can make a world of difference in someone’s life. Our new Centre will bring integrated health, legal, and mental health services together in a setting designed to uplift our clients and reflect their inherent worth.

You've heard our BIG news - we're moving to 18 Mitford Street in the new year. In this short video from Patrick Lawrence, CEO, he talks about why we're moving and what our vision is for our community in the years to come.  Check it out: https://lnkd.in/g38fr3hE First Step Legal

💙 We’re moving to 18 Mitford Street! This isn’t just a new location – it’s a commitment to expand our compassionate care in a purpose-built space that reflects the worth of every individual we serve. Our goal is to create a safe, welcoming environment for all, but we can’t do it alone. We need the support of our community to help fund the move, renovations, and setup for this new chapter. Every donation brings us one step closer to realizsing this vision of dignity and holistic care. 🙏 Will you help make this possible? Donate today: https://lnkd.in/gwG_wBw Thank you for being part of our journey!

From January, First Step will be working out of 18 Mitford Street, St Kilda. With this move, we’re expanding our capacity to deliver integrated care for people with co-occurring needs, including alcohol and drug use. The new Centre will offer more space, improved facilities, and a welcoming environment where recovery and healing can be nurtured. Stay tuned for updates as we prepare to open our new doors in early 2025!

The Coroners Court of Victoria Annual Report for 2023 - 2024 has revealed that there were 601 fatal overdoses in Victoria during the 2023 - 2024 timeframe. That is almost 20% higher than the past financial year. This is horrific data and we stand with the many Victorians who have lost loved ones to overdose. Read the report here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gGpns4qf

Come join our Board! First Step Legal #mentalhealth #governance #AOD

👏 Milestone in Harm Reduction for Victoria! 👏 We're proud to celebrate the passing of legislation that allows pill testing services—marking a new chapter in public health and harm reduction. A heartfelt thanks to advocates, partners and members who stood behind this initiative. Together, we’ve made significant strides toward safer, more informed communities. 📖 Read the Victorian Government's media release: https://lnkd.in/gntyfB7s #PillTesting #HarmReduction #Advocacy

We’re moving to 18 Mitford Street St Kilda, and it’s more than just a new address — it’s a step towards better care. Our new home will offer more space, even greater collaboration between our healthcare and legal teams, and an enhanced environment for clients. This move allows us to serve more people in a welcoming, dignified setting, where integrated care is easier and more efficient. It’s all about making sure our clients get the best support possible! First Step Legal

At First Step, we believe that every client deserves a space that reflects their worth. We're moving to 18 Mitford Street St Kilda in the new year for a number of reasons - we've run out of room, our leased property is being sold, and mental health reform in Victoria has stalled. We have the expertise, the model and the commitment to deliver the integrated care Victorians need - we just need the space to do it. Our move is driven by our commitment to providing our clients with a welcoming, dignified environment where they can continue accessing life-changing care.  First Step Legal

Our 'Road Home' proof of concept collab with Launch Housing has been independently evaluated by the LDC Group. They presented at the Shape Health Conference in Hong Kong and were then invited to submit to the Asia Pacific Journal of Health Management. Check it out: https://lnkd.in/gEUAqhGp