Odyssey Receives National Recognition for Family Support Group (2006)
Odyssey House has been named as one of the finalists in this year’s National Drug and Alcohol Awards! The nomination was made for the program, “Better Relationships In Every Family” (B.R.I.E.F.). BRIEF is a psycho educational program which is conducted over a 6 week period. Residents in treatment and their family and/or loved one participate in the group sessions in order to establish a platform from which the family is able to move forward. One of the crucial factors which leads to a successful rehabilitation episode is the involvement of the family of the person in treatment. Family members have a tremendous positive influence on the person who is undergoing treatment. The BRIEF program seeks to capitalise on the influence the family has on the individual, while at the same time providing a forum for the resident and family to investigate, identify and impact upon conflicts which have arisen as a result of the resident’s alcohol and other drugs use.The 6 sessions are:
1. Communication Skills.
2. Family Relationships, roles and responsibilities.
3. Self Esteem.
4. Managing Conflict.
5. Grief, loss and stress.
6. The family as a team – moving forward.
The six topics cover issues that commonly affect the quality of relationships within the family. A number of activities are used to allow participants to get to know themselves, their family members and other group members better. Family members are given the opportunity to discuss issues amongst themselves while the two staff facilitators spend some time with them.
The groups are facilitated by Dr Glenda Hodge, who was instrumental in the design of the groups. She is assisted by Odyssey House staff member Steve Hocking. The funding for the implementation of the group was provided by the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation for a period of 2 years. The benefits of the groups are illustrated by the fact that all 16 of the graduates at last year’s Open Day ceremony had participated in the B.R.I.E.F. program.We are grateful to receive the acknowledgement and recognition from the National Drug and Alcohol Awards selection committee for this most beneficial and innovative initiative!