We commission specific alcohol and other drugs services that provide support to the Western Sydney community.
8
services that make a tangible
difference11
programs specific to alcohol and
other drug support3,351
clients in Western Sydney
The Ted Noffs Foundation
The Ted Noffs Foundation is commissioned to deliver high-quality, evidence and best-practice-based interventions to young people in Western Sydney struggling with alcohol or drug addiction. This is done through individual and family counselling, workshops and mentoring. The program focuses on encouraging participants to re-engage with their community, apply their potential, and improve their lives. In the past 12 months, 313 people have been referred to the service.
Client Story:
Background: Donatella* is a 19-year-old who presented to the service with a history of methamphetamine and cannabis use, described primarily as a means to cope with painful memories associated with past trauma, including sexual assault. Donatella has experienced several relationship challenges and has moved home many times.
Support: After the initial assessment was completed, Donatella and her counsellor began co-developing treatment goals, and agreed that her primary focus would involve learning new ways of managing her fluctuating moods, incorporating emotional regulation strategies. Donatella wanted support in coping with intense drug cravings and developing a relapse prevention plan. Multiple therapeutic interventions were used to assist Donatella in achieving her goals.
Outcome: Donatella engaged in drug and alcohol counselling, committing to significant lifestyle changes, leading to part-time employment she likes and achieving stable accommodation. She continues to abstain from methamphetamine, activates soothing strategies when needed, and monitors and manages her fluctuating moods.
Odyssey House
The focus of Odyssey House is on reducing the impact of substance misuse on individuals and communities, supporting people of all ages and backgrounds to break their dependence on alcohol and other drugs (AOD), through both residential and community-based programs. Odyssey House offers counselling, mental health services, and family support programs, working with people throughout their journey, including those with complex health and social care needs.
We Help Ourselves
We Help Ourselves (WHOS) is a residential rehabilitation service that offers treatment and case coordination to people in Western Sydney with alcohol and other drug dependencies and co-occurring severe and complex mental health conditions.
Background: Alice*, a 55-year-old woman, lived with methamphetamine dependence and has a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression. Alice is a survivor of significant domestic and family violence. Alice disclosed that, while she was a participant in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and had family support, she was struggling with communication.
Support: Through social work case management, Alice was supported to submit a housing application, improve her physical health, access mental health service navigation, and attend appointments and weekly face-to-face social work support meetings. This resulted in improved mental health and her ability to participate in her NDIS plan, WHOS treatment program, and to communicate her needs and ideas to her financial guardian.
Outcome: Alice successfully participated in three months of treatment, reporting back to her Access and Support Team social worker that she is doing well, attending her appointments, and maintaining an improved lifestyle by utilising and implementing her relapse prevention plan.
Youth Off The Streets
Youth Off The Streets (YOTS) is commissioned to deliver the Dunlea Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Youth Service, a rehabilitation program for young people aged 13-19 years and their families. Each young person receives free access to trauma informed AOD interventions, psychoeducation and skills programs. The goal is to support young people who seek to change their levels and patterns of drug use, opening opportunities to take a different life course.
