Substance abuse and problem gambling are significant, ingrained issues faced by individuals, families and communities across Sydney. CatholicCare Sydney is committed to providing support for families impacted by problematic alcohol /other drug use, and gambling. Services are available for individuals affected by another’s substance abuse or gambling, and for problematic substance users and gamblers themselves.
The NSW Health funded Holyoake Programs offer a range of structured education, therapy and support interventions for parents, partners, siblings and children of problematic gamblers and substance users, and for adolescent and adult substance users also.. Holyoake staff are also actively involved in health promotion and community development activities.
The Australian Hoteliers Association’s (AHA) GAMECARE program provides counselling and referral services to problematic gamblers who seek ongoing assistance after voluntarily excluding themselves from gambling venues. CatholicCare’s Financial Counselling team also provides information and support to gambling -affected families.