Gorman House Newsletter available to download
In 2006 the NSW Branch of the Order of Malta undertook to provide the funds necessary to keep Gorman House operating 24 hours a day 7 days a week following a shortfall in funding that would have effectively resulted in Gorman House having to close.
BBQ Volunteers at Gorman House
It was at this time that the Gorman House partnership between the NSW Branch of the Order of Malta and St Vincent’s Hospital was established and since then the NSW Branch of the Order of Malta has raised and provided in excess of $1.6 million to enable Gorman House to continue to effectively provide its essential facilities and services. In addition, the Branch members and volunteers undertake barbeques at Gorman House three times a week, to provide camaraderie and mentor support to the residents.
At the commencement of this year the NSW Branch of the Order of Malta launched the Order of Malta – NSW Branch Community Care Van to provide services and support to the homeless of Sydney, most of whom are alcohol and drug afflicted. In a further healthcare partnership, St Vincent’s Hospital provide a skilled nurse to accompany the Community Care Van, operated by NSW Branch members and volunteers, to provide healthcare to the homeless.
As you are no doubt aware “Ice” is now a major impediment on our society and many of the homeless and drug afflicted cared for by Gorman House and the Community Care Van are victims of this epidemic.
The overwhelming and growing need for the services of Gorman House have been recognised by the Government, who have agreed to provide ongoing funding to St Vincent’s to grow the service to become a seven day medical detoxification unit.
The model of care also involves an outreach program – “Gorman House Reaching Out”. This will enable doctors and psychologists from St Vincent’s Outreach Service to visit patients in the community who want to cease using drugs or alcohol but cannot, or do not, want to enter inpatient rehabilitation. Funding for this vital service is not possible within the Hospital budget and The Order of Malta NSW Branch needs your help to raise an additional $150,000 to fund this initiative.
The 2016_Gorman_House_newsletter is available to download.
