"Coming to this program has opened my eyes that there are other people with similar problems and listening to other people in the group has helped me to listen to others and not just to think about myself."
"I like the fact that I could feel a connection with other people and that I could empathise. I feel that I am confident to handle situations more effectively"
"New ideas and ways of helping me to stop gambling – different ways of looking at things."

What is the Life Choices Program?

Life Choices is a 6 week program for men and women. The purpose of these group meetings is to dispel the myths and aid the education and understanding of the illness of addiction as well as aiding in life education.

Sessions are held every Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Refreshments and a light supper are supplied. Meeting times are noted below.

The non-discriminatory factor associated with the illness of addictions and the medical data available linking the percentage of the population affected by addictions would determine there is a significant number of individuals affected. With this being said, and the status associated with the profiles of such individuals in the community the way in which we reach out and aid these affected or at risk individuals would be slightly alternative to that of regular clients in the community.

Oakdene House also offers Responsible Gambling Counselling provided by Catholic Care. One on one counselling is available at no cost by appointment.

Who attends the Life Choices Program?

The meetings will not be open to the general public. Attendees will be accepted after an assessment with an Intake Worker associated with Oakdene House Foundation and a willingness to seek recovery through honesty and sharing of their experiences. The meetings will be facilitated by a long term recovery and industry associate employed by Oakdene House Foundation.

What is the outcome of these meetings?

The outcome of the program will be that the attendees, through a willingness to honestly share and discuss their issues will come to accept and identify their problem and learn to manage their lives in such a way that alcohol and/or gambling no longer causes issues in their personal life. It is also envisaged that through this they will personally develop as human beings and through their own recovery seek to support others in the same situations.

Meeting Times

Tuesday: 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Tuesday: 5:00pm – 6:30pm (Via Zoom Only)
Wednesday: 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Thursday: 11:00am – 12:30pm
Friday: 5:00pm – 6:30pm

 

The group meetings would cover a continuing six (6) week session cycle occurring once a week with the session lasting approximately 1 ½ hours. The attendees would be required to commit to a minimum of six (6) weeks with the course structured in such a way that group members can enter and exit at any point in the cycle. Members, should they wish, could continue with the group meetings indefinitely as the education and self-improvement is endless.