Odyssey House Counselling and Support Services available to assist people in Canterbury-Bankstown impacted by alcohol and other drug dependencies

The Federal Government today announced Canterbury-Bankstown in western Sydney as the first location for a two-year trial of drug testing of new job seekers, to commence in January 2018 if legislation is passed by Parliament.

Leading drug and alcohol

treatment provider Odyssey House, which recently opened a free, community-based counselling service in Canterbury, would be in a position to help local people who are referred for treatment through the trial, according to CEO Julie Babineau.

“If the Drug Testing Trial proceeds, Odyssey House has the capacity to help up to 80 people in the region every month through non-residential, day-based counselling, support and case management at our Canterbury centre and Redfern hub,” Ms Babineau said.

“Day-based therapies are particularly suitable for people who are working or looking for work, caring for family or studying; who need early intervention so serious addiction or mental illness doesn’t set in; or who need support or relapse prevention after treatment or a custodial sentence,” she said.

Odyssey House Community Services–Central & Eastern Sydney provides: individual face-to-face and phone counselling; group counselling; education sessions; support to people recovering from both mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues; help accessing residential detox and rehabilitation programs; information and advocacy; and linkages to other local service providers.

Alcohol & Other Drugs Recovery Groups help participants gain skills and support with:

• Relapse prevention and relapse management
• Developing strategies to manage high risk situations and sustain recovery
• Harm reduction education
• Treatment options and goal setting
• Providing recovery information, advocacy and linking clients to service providers

Mental Health Recovery Groups are educational and support groups for people recovering from both mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues. Group sessions include:

• Developing and maintaining mental health recovery plans
• Building knowledge and coping skills to manage mental health issues in recovery
• Recreational activities conducive to improved well-being
• Discussions and opportunities to share lived experiences

Specialised Groups are designed to provide specific support and teach new skills:

• Family and parenting programs
• Anger management
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) Programs
• Programs for people recently released from custody

Odyssey House’s Canterbury service is located at 3/190-192 Canterbury Road and is open on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8.30am-4.30pm. Other services are available around Sydney.

For support and assessment, call 1800 397 739, email csces@odysseyhouse.com.au, or complete the online form at www.odysseyhouse.com.au.

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For media information or interviews, contact: Carol Moore, Moore Public Relations: 02 9560 2826; 0402 382 363; carolmoore@moorepr.com.au