The First Step Program

19/11/2025

“For the first time, I felt seen. First Step did what no other organisation could do for me.” – Emma

Behind every story of substance use or mental distress is a person who deserves to be seen and supported.

At First Step, we meet people where they’re at, helping them find safety, stability and hope through compassionate, wraparound care.

You could help someone like Emma feel seen, possibly for the first time in their lives.

Please donate today: https://www.firststep.org.au/donate

PLUS: your gift today will be matched and doubled by a generous local supporter.

18/11/2025

Yesterday our CEO Patrick Lawrence accepted another year of funding from South Melbourne Community Chest - pictured here with President Gary Hutchens and Councillor Beti Day.

We’re so grateful for SMCC’s continued support of our Emergency Relief Fund, which helps people facing homelessness, mental ill-health and family violence with immediate, practical support, like food, transport, medication and emergency accommodation.

This funding means we can act quickly in moments of crisis and keep people connected to care.

Thank you, SMCC, for standing with our clients and our community.

17/11/2025

First Step is involved in two pilot projects this year. Funded by the South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network, we are recruiting care coordinators to ensure more clients receive truly integrated care.

Care coordination is a central task within First Step’s model of integrated care to which any staff member can contribute (doctors, peers, lawyers). But having expert Care Coordinators with the skills and time to devote to this work will be a game-changer for many clients.

Read more: https://www.firststep.org.au/two_pilots

16/11/2025

Drug-driving deaths in Australia have now overtaken drink-driving deaths - a confronting milestone that demands smarter, evidence-based solutions. Important insights from The Conversation:

Drink driving in Australia is declining thanks to the right mix of laws, visibility and social messaging. Four strategies could make a difference with drug driving.

13/11/2025

An open letter from First Step CEO Patrick Lawrence to Tania Wolff on the phenomenal legacy she leaves behind:

Dear Tania, Now, a few days after your time as the Director of First Step Legal has finished, I pen a few words of thanks. I write to you as a colleague of 13 years who has worked alongside you in the very challenging intersection of primary care, mental health, substance use and legal need.

10/11/2025

Guest Blog: Benn Veenker

When I first entered treatment for my substance use, I had no idea what to expect. What I did know was that I felt this undercurrent of guilt and shame for where my life had taken me and that no one could possibly understand what I had been through and why I was doing the things I was doing.

Then, in that service, I sat opposite a guy, who looked like anyone else but who spoke to me and connected to me like no one has before – I soon found out he was someone who had a lived experience of problematic substance use. He knew my struggles, he knew the emotional toll, he knew the guilt and shame, and he was able to, for the first time in what seemed like forever, give me hope for my future. I immediately felt safe and supported in that service.

Read more from Benn: https://www.firststep.org.au/guest_blog_benn_veenker

06/11/2025

The Medication-Assisted Treatment of Opioid Dependence (MATOD) Clinical Placement Program is designed to build the skills and confidence of general practitioners in supporting people who live with Opioid Use Disorder.

First Step is proud to partner with South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network to deliver this hands-on real-world learning for GPs who are looking to make a big impact.

Find out more here: https://www.semphn.org.au/matod-clinical-placement-program

03/11/2025

First Step has been closely involved in the consultations, advice, and decision-making processes of the City of Port Phillip in recent months.

There have been numerous proposals from a current councillor aimed at taking a more punitive approach to rough sleepers.

We think the only way to achieve a win-win scenario is to enhance existing positive efforts, foster closer collaboration between organisations, and ensure the council continues to support and coordinate these initiatives.

Read more about how we have been working with Council on this: https://www.firststep.org.au/copp

31/10/2025

First Step acknowledges the significance of Victoria’s Treaty legislation and the leadership of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria in shaping this moment.

Treaty is a pathway to truth, justice and self-determination, and we stand in solidarity with Aboriginal communities across the state as we move forward together.

We remain committed to listening, learning and contributing to a future where First Nations people have greater agency in shaping culturally safe, affirming and responsive health systems.

https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-10/251030-Treaty-Legislation-Passes-Parliament.pdf

https://firstpeoplesvic.org/treaty/

Treaty is our opportunity to make sure we – the Traditional Owners of these lands – always have the freedom and power to make the decisions that affect our communities, our culture, and our Country.

30/10/2025

On October 31st Tania Wolff, after 12 years of service to First Step and leadership of First Step Legal, will work her last day with us.

This has been a difficult decision for Tania, given her dedication to First Step, love of the work and care for our clients, but we fully support her as she consolidates many aspects of a super busy life.

When Tania came to First Step it was to work side-by-side with Melissa Hardham (founder of First Step Legal and now CEO of WestJustice). Tania took over the leadership role and has grown First Step Legal in terms of impact, sophistication, staff size, areas of law and reputation. First Step Legal is a leader in Health Justice Partnerships, establishing a totally unique model in being embedded within a health practice, and having 4 well-established external Health Justice Partnership with Windana Drug and Alcohol, Better Health Network, Launch Housing and St Kilda Road Clinic (part of Alfred Health). A number of smaller partnership round out this innovative, fully-accredited Community Legal Centre. It has been Tania's vision and ability to bring others along with that vision that has grown First Step Legal to this point, with of course many amazing staff to realise that vision along the way.

Tania was recently made an Honorary Life Member of the Law Institute of Victoria, of which she was president for some years. Her leadership and impact extends in many directions, and her contribution to First Step will never be forgotten. Tania will stay involved with First Step Legal, but is stepping down from the Director role from her current part-time position.

We wish Tania all the very best.

30/10/2025

"There are people who needed support before we even opened our doors who might be about to take their first step. So, we're not going anywhere. First Step was created to give people every chance to turn their lives around. No financial barrier. Unconditional positive regard. Welcome. Empathy. Treatment and support." - Patrick Lawrence, CEO (2003 - current)

For 25 years, we’ve walked alongside thousands. With your support, we can walk with thousands more.

👉 Donate now: https://www.firststep.org.au/donate

29/10/2025

"That commitment means we don’t always fit within standard models of care. The system might say a person should ‘step down’ after a set number of sessions, but our clients often aren’t ready. The idea that someone will be ‘better’ in a fixed number of weeks doesn’t reflect the reality of complex trauma, homelessness, financial instability, or long-term substance use." - Joe Fishburn, Clinical Lead, 2012 - current

For 25 years, we’ve walked alongside thousands. With your support, we can walk with thousands more.

👉 Donate now: https://www.firststep.org.au/donate