Based on the successful Times Square Alliance model in New York, Dublin City Business Improvement District will work with ALDP in developing long-lasting solutions to reduce the problems for those directly affected by problematic substance misuse and homelessness and for the broader community in the city centre. The partnership, rooted in the 'Continuum of Care' principle, will operate at both a strategic level and also on the ground where its team of 12 street ambassadors will provide information and refer potential clients to the Ana Liffey's recently refurbished premises where their needs can be catered for.
The first step in the partnership took place today where DBID announced its contribution towards the purchase of a new eight-seater van to support the ALDP Outreach Programme which includes advocacy, referrals, and interventions on the streets of Dublin City Centre. The van will be used to bring service users to medical appointments and the drop-in centre, provide transport for housing related projects and to facilitate the daily operations of ALDP.
Speaking at the launch Lord Mayor of Dublin, Eibhlin Byrne, said "I am delighted to see the business community coming together in partnership with the ALDP. The most effective way in delivering results is through partnership and this I believe will be very beneficial for the service users but also for the wider community in the city centre. It is very encouraging also to see that the support offered is not only financial but advisory and actual support in terms of provision of information for service users as well."
The Ana Liffey Drug Project is a 'Low Threshold - Harm Reduction' service based in Dublin City and is the Lord Mayor's nominated charity (2008 - 2009). The project works with people, experiencing addiction, to minimise the harm that problematic drug use causes them, their families and the wider community.
According to Richard Guiney, CEO of DBID "This is the first time that the business community has come together to formally engage in improving this social issue for all involved. The partnership enables us to go some way in delivering on our commitment to community benefit. We are also in a fortunate position whereby we can work with the Ana Liffey Drug Project to engage with relevant state agencies and other service providers and thereby ensure a coordinated approach for the benefit of service users and the city as a whole. The supply of the van is, we hope, the first in a series of long lasting and effective initiatives in our partnership with the Ana Liffey Drug Project."
Ana Liffey Drug Project provides a range of services in Dublin's Inner City including; Drop-In Service, Outreach Service, Family Care and Case Management Service, Peer Support Group and Literacy Tutor. Tony Duffin, Director of ALDP said "This contribution by DBID is a considerable one. This is a vote of confidence in our work. Dublin City Business Improvement District and ALDP have created a strategic partnership and this significant contribution will positively impact directly on the lives of people affected by problematic substance misuse and homelessness in Dublin City Centre. This unprecedented and exciting partnership works on two levels - on the streets of Dublin and on a strategic planning level. Our two agencies were working hard to achieve our individual goals and we soon realised that there is a synergy in our work. We are grateful to DBID for their generosity and their willingness to work alongside the Ana Liffey Drug Project in addressing serious social issues impacting on Dublin City Centre."
For further information: Kerryann Conway, Conway Communications. Tel: 01-7071704 / 086-8215246
Source: www.aldp.ie
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