Odyssey House Annual Report 2010

The Odyssey House After Care Program aims to support
people, who are in recovery from alcohol and other drug
problems. The After Care Program is open to individuals
who have achieved their recovery through Odyssey House
or other interventions. The program aims to enhance
participants’ skills, support networks and coping abilities
to assist them in moving on with their lives and become
productive members of their community without
dependence on alcohol or other drugs. The educational
and counselling sessions focus on implementing relapse
prevention strategies and developing social and personal
skills.
The After Care Program was supported in 2009-2010 by:
• The Attorney General’s Department, Proceeds of Crime
Funding Grant.
The Odyssey House After Care Program has
accomplished many great achievements over the year.
Some of the highlights include:
• To promote Drug Action Week in June 2010, After Care
held the first ‘Drug Free Expo’ in the Macarthur area in
conjunction with Lifeline, Maryfields and Drug and
Alcohol Women’s Network (DAWN). More than 170
people attended the event, including members of the
local community and community agencies.
• A new eight-week Relapse Prevention Education
Course was established after being trialled in 2009. The
official launch was attended by a range of local
agencies, leading to an increase in referrals.
• Housing support was included in the program in
conjunction with Argyle Community Housing and Drug
and Alcohol Women’s Network (DAWN).
After Care Program
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Odyssey House Annual Report 2010
• Family Information Nights were held for families of
substance users. As a result, a Family Support Program
was created based on a stress−strain−coping support
model.
• After Care Staff conducted a number of social outings
throughout the year which allowed clients to enjoy
different recreational activities without alcohol and other
drugs.
• The bridging of the Odyssey House Janus Program and
the After Care Program provided comprehensive and
ongoing support for people with a dual diagnosis of
mental illness and drug dependence.
• The After Care Program continues with its three-year
evaluation, which is being conducted by Not For Profit
Partnerships.
• Staff delivered 158 Relapse Prevention educational
groups and 33 Life Skills groups. Topics included:
communication, triggers and cravings, harm
minimisation, problem solving, relationships, stress
management, support and services, and budgeting. Life
skills training included activities such as healthy eating
and cooking workshops conducted in the newly
renovated kitchen area.
• After Care Staff delivered 464 individual counselling
sessions to clients during the year.