Project Spotlight

Welcome to Givewell's Project Spotlight. Each month we highlight a project for which a charity is currently seeking funds. We also provide details on how to give directly for this project.

The Odyssey House Residential Gambling Program is to identify and provide counselling services to problem gamblers and their families with the aim of influencing a marked and sustained reduction in gambling problems among those counselled. Donations are sought to enhance the counselling and treatment services already available to a variety of populations - including economically and socially disadvantaged groups. The residential program provides accommodation and intense treatment for people who are unemployed, legally stipulated or who have an unstable living environment due to their gambling problems. The program's duration is approximately 4 months which includes weekly therapy and bi-weekly groups. This also includes community treatment facilities and education and aftercare within a therapeutic community. Project outcomes will be evaluated as follows: Short Term:

1. Monthly statistics on program utilisation (residential and non-residential).
2. Number of people assessed and screened who are involved in the gambling program(s)
3. Number of training opportunities available for Specialist Gambling Counsellors.

Long Term

1. Number of additional resources obtained to enhance the service delivery of the program(s)
2. Ability to provide family support services to family members of problem gamblers.
3. Compilation of research data on problem gamblers in program(s) which result in formal presentation at relevant conferences and/or inclusion in relevant research journal(s).
4. Numbers of family members of problem gamblers who have participated in the program(s) who have reduced the harm associated with problem gambling.

Can donors/grantmakers give directly for this project? Yes

If so, how?

By forwarding donations by way of cheque/money order to:
Odyssey House McGrath
Foundation, P O Box 459, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560

or

by contacting Ms Paterson to arrange credit card payments on (02) 9820-9999.

For either method of payment, please specify that you would like your donation to go towards the "Residential Gambling Program."

Is there an allowance for administration costs? Yes, approximately 8% of donations.

Contact details for further information:

Mr James A. Pitts, M.A., GeneralManager or Mr Barney Dreyer, Gambling Program Administrator

at (02) 9820-9999

This project was selected by Givewell’s Research Analyst, Cate Smith:

"Problem gambling is one of those issues that has been around for a long tile, the potential and on-going effects of which are slowly becoming more widely known. I suspect a program that gives people an opportunity to take some time out in a supported environment can have really positive effects, not just for the person themselves but for all those close to them."

Cate has made a donation to the project which has been matched by Givewell.