Odyssey Multicultural Program

Clinical Counselling and Psychological Support

The Clinical Counselling and Psychological Support program offers individual, family, and group counselling services tailored to the unique needs of CALD communities. There are qualified counsellors, psychotherapists and psychologists that provide culturally sensitive support to help individuals and families address and overcome the harmful effects of alcohol and other drugs. By using a strengths-based approach and offering services in multiple languages, everyone receives the help they need in a way that resonates with their cultural background.

Clinical Counselling and Psychological support offer:

Multicultural SMART Recovery, Mindfulness and Spirituality Group, Cultural specific support group and other group therapies
Drug, alcohol and psychological assessments
Counselling for individuals, families and couples
Referrals to other services
Culturally appropriate treatment
Bilingual counsellors that can speak: Akan, Arabic, Cantonese, English, Ewe, Farsi, Ga, Hindi, Khmer, Lao, Liberian Creole, Mandarin, Samoan, Sinhalese, Teo Chiew, Tongan Thai, Urdu, Vietnamese and some African languages.

Who Can Benefit?
These services are free, confidential, and open to:

Individuals struggling with substance use.
Family members of those affected.
Caregivers and friends seeking support.

Transitions Program

The Transitions Program is a pre and post custodial support program that provides intensive case management for CALD individuals with a history of substance use who are transitioning from prison back into the community. This program offers pre-release assessments and support that continues for up to six months post-release, with the possibility of extended assistance based on individual circumstances.

The Transitions Program aims to reduce recidivism by providing practical support, including housing support, employment, Centrelink access, daily living skills, cultural and community connections, brief drug and alcohol interventions, and referrals to other services.

Services we offer for Transitions Clients:

Intensive case management support for up to 6 months post-release.
Home visit/community-based support.
Information and referrals to services and programs including:

Housing and accommodation
Family and community support
Financial support services
Alcohol and Other Drug Services
Employment
Education
Training
Health
Legal

Who can benefit?

CALD individuals in custody, who will be released within 12 weeks or individuals who have been recently released from custody; with a history of AOD related issues; and are over 18 years of age.

Community Engagement and Health Promotion

The Community Engagement and Health Promotion program focuses on connecting with CALD communities to raise awareness about the risks associated with alcohol and other drugs and to promote healthier lifestyles. This service does community consultations, educational workshops, health campaigns, and community events that are culturally relevant and accessible.

We promote the use of harm minimization strategies and work towards healing and supporting communities by fostering strong community ties and empowering people with knowledge to support their communities in preventing substance use harms and encourage the adoption of healthy habits.

Community engagement and health promotion services offered:

Community consultations with cultural and faith based groups
Culturally relevant educational workshops on AOD harm prevention and treatment.
Health promotion campaigns targeting CALD communities.
Community Events to develop community connections and promote healthy living.
Engage community leaders and members in discussions and activities related to AOD prevention.
Create and distribute materials in multiple languages to ensure accessibility.
Develop resources that resonate with the cultural perspectives of CALD communities.
Collaborate with local organizations and community groups to enhance outreach.

Who can benefit?

Young people
School students
University students
Religious leaders
Community leaders
Cultural and faith based groups
Community organizations
CALD community members
AOD service users
Health Professionals and organisations

Research and Advocacy

The Research and Advocacy program is dedicated to understanding the needs and challenges faced by CALD communities regarding alcohol and other drugs. Research is undertaken to gather data and insights, which inform programs and policies. Additionally, OMP advocate for the development and implementation of culturally appropriate services and interventions. OMP's goal is to ensure that the voices of CALD communities are heard and that their needs are met through evidence-based practices and effective advocacy efforts.

Research and Advocacy Services

Conduct comprehensive research to gather data on substance use patterns in CALD communities; identify barriers to accessing AOD services; and to develop evidence-based strategies for effective treatment.
Policy advocacy to promote the development of culturally appropriate services and interventions; enhancing accessibility and quality of care.
Provide training to improve cultural competence in the AOD sector.
Offer consultancy services to enhance responsiveness to CALD community needs in AOD harm prevention and treatment.

Who Can Benefit?

CALD Individuals and Families (Culturally appropriate AOD services and better policies)
Policymakers (Data-driven insights for inclusive health policies)
Universities and Researchers (Developing research partnerships)
Healthcare Providers (Enhanced cultural competence and training)
Community Organizations (Improved outreach and collaborative initiatives)
AOD Sector Professionals (Understanding of CALD substance use patterns and evidence-based practices)
General Public (Awareness of the need for culturally appropriate AOD services and support for advocacy efforts)

Odyssey Multicultural Program