Odyssey NSW will begin delivering alcohol and other drug (AOD) services for culturally and linguistically diverse communities in South Western Sydney this month, following the imminent closure of Drug and Alcohol Multicultural Education Centre (DAMEC).
SWSPHN has funded DAMEC to deliver AOD counselling and case management in the region since 2017.
DAMEC works with culturally and linguistically diverse communities in South Western Sydney, with people speaking a range of languages, primarily Farsi, Vietnamese, Arabic, Mandarin and Cantonese. It employs multi-lingual counsellors in these and other languages.
After more than 30 years of service in the community, DAMEC has decided to cease operations and will not provide services after 30 September 2022.
SWSPHN will now fund Odyssey NSW to deliver AOD services in South Western Sydney. Transfer of services is ongoing and Odyssey NSW is expected to commence delivery on 12 September 2022.
In recognition of the high level of service provided by DAMEC over the years and to provide continuity of care to clients, Odyssey has retained existing staff where possible, to deliver the same model of care from existing phone numbers and address in Liverpool.
Where possible, clients will continue with the same counsellor.
Odyssey will recruit suitably qualified and culturally appropriate staff as required.
Odyssey is a well-known and respected service in South Western Sydney, with alcohol and other drug treatment services operating in the region for more than 45 years.
In addition to their residential rehabilitation and withdrawal services, Odyssey operates community programs in Fairfield, Campbelltown and Bowral, as well as services in Western Sydney and throughout the Greater Sydney region.
SWSPHN looks forward to continuing an existing close relationship with Odyssey NSW and will provide ongoing support and funding for transition of care and ongoing culturally and linguistically diverse services.
Please direct questions to:
Val Burge, SWSPHN, Val.Burge@swsphn.com.au
David Kelly, Odyssey House, David.Kelly@odysseyhouse.com.au