What is The Buttery?

Updated

The Buttery (buttery.org.au) is an Australian charity that has supported people with mental health issues and alcohol and other drug conditions since 1973. It describes all of its programs as evidence-based and representing best practice, and it runs services across several areas: drug and alcohol, mental health, family/carer/friend support, youth, community participation, and a redress support service. If you are looking for yourself or someone else, the main entry point is a phone enquiry line on 02 6687 1111, open 9.00am to 4.30pm, or an online enquiry form on the site.

Who The Buttery is for

The organisation frames its work around the message "You are not alone on your journey," and its services are grouped so that different people can find the relevant support:

  • People with alcohol and other drug conditions — Drug & Alcohol Services.
  • People with mental health issues — Mental Health Services.
  • Family, carers and friends — a dedicated support stream for those around the person.
  • Young people — a Youth service.
  • Community participation — broader involvement and inclusion programs.
  • People needing redress support — a Redress Support Service.

Because the site lists these as separate program areas rather than one single service, the right starting point depends on who needs help and with what.

How to make contact

The site gives two routes for program enquiries:

  1. Phone — 02 6687 1111, between 9.00am and 4.30pm.
  2. Online form — described as a way to ask questions, with the organisation saying it will respond to enquiries.

Both are presented as enquiry channels rather than self-service booking, so expect to explain your situation and be directed to the appropriate program.

How it is funded

The Buttery is a charity and states that it relies on the generosity of the community to fulfil its mission. It notes that all donations are tax-deductible. The site also shows PayPal as a payment platform. The available information does not state whether programs themselves are free or carry a cost, so that is a question to raise directly through the enquiry line or form.

What to keep in mind

  • The organisation has over 50 years of experience, having operated since 1973.
  • Its programs are described as evidence-based and aligned with best practice.
  • It positions itself as community-focused and charity-funded.
  • For anything specific — eligibility, waiting times, costs, or which program fits — use the phone line or online form, since the site does not publish those details.