Through Lives Lived Well’s nurse-led Withdrawal Support and Clinical Care Coordination program – supported by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) – Suresh provides compassionate, wrap-around care that meets people where they are and walks alongside them toward stability and recovery.
In his role, Suresh supports people navigating complex physical health issues, unstable housing and long-term substance use.
For Suresh, the work is about building trust and creating a safe space for people who may have had difficult experiences engaging with services in the past.
“A lot of the people we support are dealing with multiple challenges at once – health issues, housing instability, and substance use,” Suresh explains.
“Our role is to meet them where they are and work alongside them at a pace that feels achievable.”
Through regular contact, motivational counselling and strong coordination with health and community services, Suresh helps ensure people receive care that addresses their physical, psychological and social needs together.
“Our wrap-around model connects multiple services around the client, ensuring no gaps in care,” he says.
One example involved a client, Joel*, who connected with the service while facing several health and personal challenges.
“What stood out most was Joel’s willingness to engage with support despite everything he was navigating,” Suresh says.
Over time, consistent contact and coordinated care helped him reconnect with health services and begin making positive changes.
“Frequent communication helps establish trust and reduces the risk of people disengaging from care,” Suresh explains.
“It also allows us to respond quickly if challenges arise and make sure the right supports are in place.”
A key part of Suresh’s role is strengthening connections between services – including primary care providers, hospitals and community organisations – to ensure clients receive coordinated support.
“Working closely with GPs and other services means we can share information, align care plans and support clients more effectively,” he says.
For Suresh, flexibility and compassion are essential in supporting people through early recovery.
“Everyone’s journey is different,” he says.
“The most important thing is being consistent, compassionate and celebrating the small wins along the way.”
Funding from NQPHN enables Lives Lived Well to deliver accessible, free and flexible withdrawal and counselling services across the region – removing financial barriers and supporting the clinical coordination that helps people stay engaged in care.
“Early recovery can be fragile,” Suresh says.
“Continuity, trust and genuine human connection often make the difference.”
*Name changed for privacy.