The Ana Liffey Drug Project has recruited six new staff members to operate the extension to the project, which aims to address the needs of individuals who are experiencing problem drug use and who may be experiencing homelessness in the local area.
The dedicated staff in ALDP works to ensure that clients of the service are continually supported in addressing issues around their drug use. The six new members of staff commenced their roles at the beginning of August and will primarily be tasked with ensuring that assertive outreach is taking place in the local Dublin 1 area. The assertive outreach initiative was developed as a direct response to the concerns highlighted in connection with individuals congregating on the Boardwalk in the city centre, whose lifestyle involves problem drug use.
This development is supported by the Homeless Agency, Health Service Executive and Dublin City Council. In conjunction with the assertive outreach service, the six new members of staff will work with the 12 existing staff to see the enhancement of other core services including; the Drop-in Service, an Individual Care and Case Management Service, Family Care and Case Management Service, Peer Support Group and Prison Work.
ALDP’s Director, Tony Duffin, commented at the announcement of the development of ALDP; ‘it is intended that the new enhanced services will improve the Care and Case Management of people experiencing problem drug use and who are homeless in the city centre area. ALDP is committed to interagency work and we will continue to build meaningful partnerships with relevant statutory, community and voluntary organizations. Defined progression routes for people using drugs will be developed, including into stabilisation and other support services.’
He added: ‘Public areas in the local business district will also have the opportunity to experience the benefits of enhanced outreach support from the Ana Liffey Drug Project. The continued support and engagement of local businesses in addressing the issues related to drug use in the local Dublin 1 area has to be commended’.
The ALDP has had a significant increase in visits to the service since 2006. In 2007, the project had 13,267 visits, representing an increase of over 50% on the previous year. There are clear reasons for the increased levels of visits to the service. Since 2006 the ALDP has worked on the development of its inclusion policy, has continued to work with individuals displaying very challenging behaviour, has developed its peer support programme, has extended its opening hours and has established an interim assertive outreach programme.
The ALDP’s work is guided by ‘Now and Next’, the strategic plan for the period 2007-2011. ‘Now & Next’ gives clear focus for the future and with the addition of the new staff members, it will be possible to realize and implement some of the actions in this ambitious document.
For further information please contact:
Tony Duffin
Director
Ana Liffey Drug Project
48 Middle Abbey Street
Dublin 1
T: 01 8786899
M: 087 3283666
W: www.aldp.ie
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