Corkman among key speakers at substance misuse conference

A Cork podcaster will open a national conference to address substance misuse and drug-related intimidation in Ireland.

James Leonard formerly of ‘The Two Norries’ podcast will open the conference Trauma in the Community. This month he started a new podcast called ‘Le Chéile’ with his wife Gillian Butler Leonard.

The Family Addiction Network in collaboration with the National Family Support Steering Group will host the event on Thursday and Friday 19 and 20 September at the Carrickdale Hotel, Carrickcarnan, Co. Louth.

Substance misuse and drug-related intimidation have devastating effects on families and communities across Ireland.

This conference aims to highlight these impacts, give voice to those affected, and collectively identify workable solutions. The event will bring together families, support services, and experts to foster a comprehensive dialogue on trauma-informed care and whole-family recovery.

Keynote speakers include Dr Jane Mulcahy, Research Fellow University of Limerick discussing trauma in relation to drug related intimidation and violence. There will also be a speaker from Escapeline UK, a charity committed to preventing the criminal and sexual exploitation of young people by criminal gangs across the south west of England.

Their insights, along with personal stories from families and presentations on community roles in recovery, will set the stage for transformative discussions. The conference will be chaired by the former chief supt Christy Mangan and author of ‘Cracking the Case: Inside the Mind of a Top Garda’ and will include interactive round table discussions, led by facilitators, that will provide a platform for attendees to share experiences and propose strategies for addressing trauma.

Workshops focusing on self-care and holistic therapies will offer practical tools for personal and communal healing.

Attendance is free, but places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.