Funding for community-based drug services

Finnian Cox

Community addiction services in Cork City are to receive almost €240,000 in funding to aid their work with homeless people.

The funds are part of a €500,000 investment into community-based drug services and will see the recruitment of three peer support workers and two addiction outreach workers.

The investment aims to target the additional health needs of those who are homeless and tackle the challenges the community faces in availing of support.

Emphasis will be placed on outreach, with homeless people in need of support being actively approached and encouraged to use these services, which will reduce drug-related harms and deaths.

The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drug Strategy Colm Burke made the announcement, saying the investment will help save lives.

“People who are homeless often have difficulties in engaging with addiction services due to their underlying complex needs,” said Minister Burke.

“We know that drug-related harm caused to any individual has a ripple effect that impacts on their families, loved ones and the wider community,” he said.

“This investment will help in bridging gaps in service provision and in supporting more people to seek and accept help for problem drinking and drug-taking.”

It is estimated that there are roughly 400 homeless people in the greater Cork city region, a community the funding recognises peer support workers are best placed to gain the trust of.

As well as outreaches, the five new roles will provide increased access to mental health supports, by referring them to the Cork-based Dual Diagnosis service.

The investment comes as a part of the national drug strategy, which aims to reduce harm and support recovery.

The HSE’s General Manager of Social Inclusion in Cork and Kerry, David Lane, said that the funding could make a significant difference in people’s lives.

“HSE Cork Kerry Community Healthcare welcomes the announcement of funding for enhanced drug treatment services for people who are homeless,” said Mr Lane. “In line with Sláintecare reform, we are working hard to address health inequalities across our communities, by ensuring that people who are impacted by homelessness can access the care and support they need and deserve,” he said.

“With the funding for the enhancement of community addiction services, we can make a significant difference in the lives of people who struggle every day with their physical and mental health.”