SDECC

SDECC As a family inclusive service, SDECC offers support for parents and carers affected by their young person’s alcohol and/or drug use.

SDECC is a non-profit organisation offering free drug and alcohol counselling services and support for young people aged 12-25 and their families across Sydney. Sydney Drug and Education Counselling Centre (SDECC) is a not-for-profit organisation providing free alcohol and drug counselling services for young people aged 12-25, based in the Sydney North area. We offer support for parents and carers

through our 6-week online group, Paving Ways. SDECC offers services at various locations across the Sydney Norther area; including St Leonards, Hornsby, Ryde, Manly and Avalon. Our services are free and confidential. A Medicare card is not required. Get in touch with us to find out more. We recognise that sometimes people need immediate help and support. If you need immediate assistance please call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline on 13 11 14, call 000 or go to the emergency service at your local hospital.

Today marks the start of National Reconciliation Week 2026, running from 27 May to 3 June.The theme this year is All In,...
27/05/2026

Today marks the start of National Reconciliation Week 2026, running from 27 May to 3 June.

The theme this year is All In, a call for every one of us to commit to reconciliation not just during this week, but every single day.

SDECC operates on Gayamaygal Country in Manly and Cammeraygal Country in St Leonards, both part of the Eora Nation.

Our vision is a society free of stigma where young people feel respected and empowered to access timely support. That vision only means something if it reaches every young person, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and families who face greater barriers to accessing care.

At SDECC, we walk alongside young people and their families, taking the time to understand their world and help them break down the barriers to living a healthy life. Ensuring our services are welcoming, safe and culturally appropriate is something we are continuously working to strengthen.

If you or someone you care for needs support, please know you are not alone. SDECC is here.

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as Australia's First People and the Traditional Custodians. We value their cultures, identities and their continuing connection to country, waters, kin and community. We pay our respects to Elders past and present. SDECC is committed to making a positive contribution to the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and families by providing services that are welcoming, safe, culturally appropriate and inclusive.

All In. Together. 🖤 💛 ❤️

22/05/2026

Real talk ❤

We are here for young people aged 12 to 25.

No pressure, no judgement, no Medicare card needed.

Just a free, confidential chat whenever you feel ready.

FreeSupport

A little look back at Youth Week 2026 💜We spent time out in the community across the week, connecting with young people ...
05/05/2026

A little look back at Youth Week 2026 💜

We spent time out in the community across the week, connecting with young people and being part of spaces that felt welcoming, relaxed and easy to take part in.

From sitting together and creating to simply spending time in a shared space, these moments help young people feel comfortable and connected.

Thank you to all the organisations and partners who made these events possible. It was great to work alongside you and be part of something positive for young people.

At SDECC, we see how these kinds of environments support connection, trust and early conversations.

💙 Youth Week is here.This year’s theme, Dream. Dare. Do., is all about supporting young people to feel hopeful, confiden...
16/04/2026

💙 Youth Week is here.

This year’s theme, Dream. Dare. Do., is all about supporting young people to feel hopeful, confident and ready to take the next step.

For young people aged 12–25, Youth Week is a chance to connect, get involved and feel part of their community.

It’s also a great time to make support more visible and easier to access, especially when young people are navigating challenges like stress, mental health or alcohol and other drug concerns.

At SDECC, we support young people with care that is compassionate, practical and focused on what comes next.

Read our latest article to learn more about how early support can make a difference: https://sdecc.org.au/youth-week-2026-aod-support-young-people/

NSW Government headspace Brookvale headspace Chatswood Taldumande Youth Services .sydney

Every young person deserves a safe place to call home.On Youth Homelessness Matters Day, we recognise the complex challe...
15/04/2026

Every young person deserves a safe place to call home.

On Youth Homelessness Matters Day, we recognise the complex challenges that can lead to housing instability for young people, including family breakdown, mental health concerns and disruption to support networks.

For some young people, alcohol or other drug use can also be part of this experience, often connected to coping with difficult circumstances.

Young people aged 12 to 24 represent around 23% of people experiencing homelessness in Australia.

At SDECC, we support young people with compassion and understanding, helping them feel safe, heard and supported.

Because with the right support, young people can rebuild stability and move forward.

🐣 Easter closure notice 2026SDECC will close from 5:00pm Thursday 2 April 2026 and will reopen at 9:00am Tuesday 7 April...
02/04/2026

🐣 Easter closure notice 2026

SDECC will close from 5:00pm Thursday 2 April 2026 and will reopen at 9:00am Tuesday 7 April 2026.

This time of year can mean different things for different people. We hope the Easter period offers moments of rest and care in whatever way feels right for you.

If you or someone you care about needs support while we are closed, assistance is available through the following services:

🔹️ Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)

🔹️ Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800

🔹️ Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511

🔹️ National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline 1800 250 015

🔹️ 13YARN: 13 92 76

🔹️ eheadspace online chat 3pm-10pm everyday by creating an account via headspace.org.au

We wish our community a safe and gentle Easter period.

We will be here to support our community again when we reopen.

Every young person deserves to feel like they belong.This Harmony Day, we are celebrating the diversity of the young peo...
21/03/2026

Every young person deserves to feel like they belong.

This Harmony Day, we are celebrating the diversity of the young people and families we support at SDECC.

Feeling safe, understood and respected helps young people open up, seek support and take positive steps forward.

At SDECC, we are proud to provide a welcoming and inclusive space for young people from all backgrounds.

Because when young people feel they belong, they are supported every step of the way.

🧡 Everyone belongs

One of the best parts of IWD was hearing young people share their stories 💜Yesterday we attended the International Women...
11/03/2026

One of the best parts of IWD was hearing young people share their stories 💜

Yesterday we attended the International Women’s Day Forum hosted by Network of Alcohol and Other Drugs Agencies - a really thoughtful day bringing together women and organisations from across the AOD sector.

There were some meaningful conversations about lived experience, gender-responsive care and supporting young people, and we were incredibly proud that our CEO Dominique was invited to share the closing reflections for the day. A big thank you to the wonderful NADA team for hosting such a thoughtful event and for inviting Dominique to speak.

A special thank you to .music and the incredible young people who shared their voices. Telina had everyone laughing while speaking about the power of music and creativity in helping young people open up, such a great reminder that connection can happen in so many ways.

We also appreciated hearing from Karla from who shared her reflections so openly and honestly.

Days like this remind us how important it is to create spaces where young people and families feel heard and supported something we care deeply about at SDECC.

Thanks to everyone who shared their stories and made the day so meaningful. 💜

Today is International Women’s Day.This year’s theme, Give to Gain, recognises that when women are supported to thrive, ...
07/03/2026

Today is International Women’s Day.

This year’s theme, Give to Gain, recognises that when women are supported to thrive, communities grow stronger.

At SDECC, we are grateful to work alongside many women who contribute to the wellbeing of young people and families. This includes the dedicated people on our team as well as the mothers, carers and young women we support through our services.

We also recognise the broader community of families and professionals who continue to advocate for young people during difficult times.

To all the women who contribute to this work, thank you.

Happy International Women’s Day.

Happy Lunar New Year from the SDECC teamWishing our community a joyful and prosperous Lunar New Year.The Year of the Fir...
18/02/2026

Happy Lunar New Year from the SDECC team

Wishing our community a joyful and prosperous Lunar New Year.

The Year of the Fire Horse is a rare 60-year cycle, symbolising energy, courage and bold new beginnings, alongside the reminder to move with patience and care.

Across our region, communities are celebrating with festivals and cultural events. You can explore local celebrations here:

Gordon & St Ives, Markets & Art

St Leonards, Lunar Lane Ways

Eastwood, Lunar NY festival

Chatswood, Lunar Wellness Hub & Fortune Booth

Or view the full NSW calendar

From all of us at SDECC, we wish everyone celebrating a safe, connected, and hopeful Year of the Fire Horse ahead 🧡

Address

91 Pittwater Road, Manly
Sydney, NSW
2097

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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