Carlton player Dennis Armfield has become an ambassador for leading drug and alcohol rehabilitation organisation Odyssey House.
Armfield first visited the Odyssey House residential facility in Melbourne in 2013 with Bryce Gibbs as part of the club’s community partnership program and immediately expressed a desire to have an ongoing role.
“My first visit to Odyssey House was amazing,” he said.
“Seeing everyone embrace the different stages of the program and be united as they strive to reach a common goal really showed that with the right help people are able to overcome anything.”
An international leader in drug and alcohol rehabilitation, training and support, Odyssey House has helped more than 10,000 Victorians overcome addiction. The organisation is one of Carlton Football Club’s ‘community partners’.
Armfield has visited the residential facility on a number of occasions, helping out with the Odyssey Blues football team and in other areas.
“I have had personal experience with addiction through family and friends and it is often the result of one simple misjudgment,” Armfield said.
“More people should be aware of the causes and be prepared to help those affected to overcome their issues. Support can go a long way.
“To have the opportunity to become an Odyssey House ambassador is an absolute privilege and I hope I can help even just one person because every individual is important.”
Odyssey House Victoria chief executive officer Dr Stefan Gruenert said he was delighted that Armfield has become an ambassador for the organisation.
“Dennis has been very enthusiastic about helping Odyssey House in any way that he can and we are very appreciative of that,” he said.
“He has shown a real desire to help change public attitudes and reduce the stigma associated with addiction as well as provide support to those in our care. We look forward to a long association with Dennis.”
Ambassadors support the work of Odyssey House in a number of ways and play a role in helping the organisation reduce drug and alcohol use, improve mental health and reconnect people with their family and the community.
Odyssey House relies on financial support from the community to continue to provide high quality programs and services. Find out more at www.odyssey.org.au
