About SDECC
SDECC (Sydney Drug Education & Counselling Centre) is a not-for-profit, charitable organisation based on the Northern Beaches and North Shore of Sydney. We specialise in providing free counselling for young people aged 12-25, and their families, around alcohol and drug use. We offer services both face-to-face in North Sydney at our Manly and St Leonards locations, and via telehealth consultations on video and phone.
Our Vision
A society that supports people with problematic use of alcohol and other drugs together with any related mental health concerns, minimises related harms and empowers those people to live a fulfilling and healthy life.
Our Purpose
To empower Young People, their families and communities to minimise the harms associated with their problematic use of alcohol and other drugs.
What SDECC does
- We provide free, evidence based, trauma informed counselling and support, for young people aged 12-25 and their families, for issues including and surrounding alcohol and drug use.
- Our people are highly qualified and able to work with a range of complexities, including mental health treatment.
- We are committed to providing a welcome and safe environment for people who identify as LGBTQIA+.
- We are committed to meeting the needs of diverse communities, and can provide counselling in some languages other than English. We can also use interpreters.
- We work with schools and the broader community to build the capacity to support young people and their families to overcome challenges.
We offer the following services:
- Individual counselling
- Groups for parents
- Mental health assessment
- Referrals and information
- Education about alcohol and drug use
- Sector capacity building
Our Priorities
- Delivery of services that are high quality and evidence based.
- Creating a warm and friendly environment for our team and all of our clients, whether in person or via telehealth.
- Expanding our reach and advocacy strategically in the greater North Sydney region, and laying the foundation for further growth.
- Working effectively and ethically with our clients, team, local communities and funding partners.
- Partnering and aligning with many of Australia's leading organisations to better meet the needs of young people and families.
Our Organisational Values
Client Centred
We seek to understand every individual for who they are.
Compassion
We honour connection, authenticity and understanding.
Respect
We acknowledge diversity and enable all to feel valued, heard, accepted and safe.
Excellence
We strive to apply and achieve a high standard in all that we do.
Funding
SDECC is a not-for-profit, charitable organisation which specialises in providing free counselling and support for young people aged 12-25 with problematic alcohol and other drugs (AOD) use and their families.
We would like to acknowledge and thank our funders for their support.
We are constantly seeking to increase the support and services we are able to provide for families, young people and the communities we work in. If you are able to support us with a donation or are interested in providing sponsorship please contact us at admin@sdecc.org.au. Every dollar supports us in our important work.
For more information about our board, operations and governance, view our annual reports here.
