ODIC

                                  OUTREACH AND DROP IN CENTRE - PUDUCHERRY    

          Outreach and Drop-In Centre (ODIC) is a community-based facility for drug users. The ODIC caters to individuals who use various substances and those who have the least access to resources. ODIC is client-focused with the goal to reduce use and minimize the harms associated with the use of drugs among primarily young people in the community. An ODIC is a doorway for drug users to a non-threatening and caring environment. It is a hub for all services, which drug users can access as per his or her need and convenience. The ODIC must be within close proximity of drug users and located in the hotspot area of the drug users. In addition to addressing health needs of the drug users, ODIC will support their right to treatment and care services that are respectful and non-discriminatory. Other activities necessary for drug users will also be conducted in the ODIC (like recreational activity, group therapy, individual counselling, family counselling etc.) The ODIC will also provide psychosocial support, a space for rest and recreation, as well as access to other drug users and OUTREACH WORKERS for support and care through mutual sharing of experiences.

            ODIC provides a safe, supportive and normalizing environment for individuals labelled as "Drug Users" in the community, especially among the youth who are isolated in society, and to whom even sheltered employment settings are not meeting their needs. It would provide an atmosphere of acceptance where individuals have a sense of belonging and grow in self-worth, dignity and self-respect. It would emphasize on helping individuals feel autonomous and having the capacity to make decisions. An important outcome is these individuals develop a sense of usefulness, increase their feelings of well-being, and minimize their risk of serious health problems that may have led to hospitalization.

OBJECTIVES:

 a)    To reduce drug use in the community.

b)     To protect and promote human and youth rights.

c)   To ensure that services are accessible, community based and differentiated along a continuum of care including psycho social support for drug users, their primary caregivers and families.

d)     To conduct outreach activities among vulnerable young population in the community for prevention of drug use.

e)  To provide a safe and secure drop-in space for drug users in the community, which would have provisions of screening, assessment and counselling.

f) To provide referral and linkage to treatment, care and rehabilitation services for drug 

ACTIVITIES OF ODIC:

1. Outreach activities in the community among young vulnerable population.

2. Behavior Change Communication (BCC) one to one and group sessions in the community by outreach workers.

3. Screening and assessment of clients on substance use disorder at ODIC.

4. Drop-in-Centre facility for people vulnerable/dependent on drug use.

5. Individual, Group and Family Counselling.

6. Provision of consultation with doctor for referral and linkage with treatment facility.

7. Safe and secure space for drug dependent youth accessible, in the community.

8. Complimentary therapies including art, music, dance and yoga for early recovery/Life Skills Program

9. Vocational training of the Drug Users.

10. Follow up care including family counselling.

TARGET GROUP: 

Vulnerable young population prone to drug use and using drugs in Puducherry region.