Cash boost saves drugs recovery service

A DUBLIN 15-based drug recovery service, which closed to new referrals two months ago, is now back open for business after a Government cash injection of

?¬100,000.

Months of campaigning and lobbying paid off for Coolmine Therapeutic Centre when news of the funding came through from the Minister for Primary Care, Alex White TD.

The cash-strapped centre offers the only mother and child recovery facility in Ireland to help women overcome addiction while their childcare needs are met during their period of rehabilitation.

The service has struggled to provide for an increased demand in recent times and was forced to close to new referrals in September.

However, it can now resume this vital service thanks to the much-needed funding and extra staff.

Paul Conlon, CEO of Coolmine Therapeutic Community, welcomed the allocation of

?¬100,000 which he said would be used to employ two full-time crèche workers who will care for children while their mothers attend therapy.

“It allows us to start taking referrals again, which had ceased in September of this year,

? he stated.

“This basically means we will not only be helping these women overcome their addiction, it may well save their lives and ensure that the lives of their children will be enhanced also.

“‘We would like to extend our appreciation to Minister Alex White and his department for supporting our residential services in this way. The assistance is timely and appreciated.

?

Some of the capital funding received by Coolmine will also be spent on upgrading and refurbishing the centre’s facilities for its men’s residential programme.

Earlier this year Northside People highlighted the centre’s funding difficulties, which was limiting its ability to provide childcare and in turn a practical and realistic rehabilitation programme for its female clients.

Local TD and Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar, was among those who welcomed the news that Coolmine Therapeutic Community can reopen for referrals.

“This is an important service in line with the National Drugs Strategy, which helps mothers to overcome their addiction,

? he stated.

“It enhances the lives of their children, and in some cases it can even save the lives of their parents.

?

Coolmine Therapeutic Community has seen a dramatic increase in demand for its service in recent years.

Thirty per cent of its referrals and admissions are through the courts with direct referral from the probation and prison services, with over 20 per cent now coming from Cork City and County.

The focus of the centre is to offer a holistic approach to dealing with addiction.