Coolmine funding boost

A NORTHSIDE drugs recovery service has received a welcome commitment of funding from the Minister of State for Primary Care.

Minister Alex White announced the funding at Coolmine Mother & Child facility for women overcoming addiction, which is based in Dublin 15.

During his recent visit to the facility, the minister witnessed first-hand the invaluable work and service provided at Coolmine which marks its 40th anniversary this year.

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.

It closed temporarily last year due to a shortfall in funding but after an intensive lobbying campaign, Minister White announced it would benefit from a e100,000 cash-injection for 2013.

Minister White’s visit to the centre last week coincided with Coolmine’s first graduation ceremony of the year. During his visit he reiterated his commitment to maintaining the service despite the economic climate.

Minister White met with some of the mothers who are currently undergoing the programme in Coolmine Therapeutic Community, as well as 18 clients who graduated from its intensive addiction treatment programme over the last 12 months.

Paul Conlon, CEO of Coolmine Therapeutic Community, thanked Minister White for the funding which he said had allowed for 35 mothers to avail of the treatment programmes.

“We at Coolmine help over 1,000 clients every year and we are very grateful to the Government for its allocation of funding towards the operation costs of our Mother and Child facility,

? he stated.

“Coolmine Therapeutic Community first opened its doors to help those with addictions in 1973. The staff and volunteers believe that the best way to mark our 40th anniversary is to call on society to help us in our efforts to provide care for those trying to overcome addiction.

“After all, those we help come from every section of our society as addiction knows no barriers. Donations make a real difference to our services.

?

Mr Conlon praised the centre’s staff and volunteers as well the clients who graduated for taking

“the brave step back into society

?.

Among those who graduated was Treasa (last name withheld) who resided in Ashleigh House.

“I can’t believe I’m after getting here,

? she said.

“It’s been a long road but well worth it, my life has change immensely since I came into recovery.

“I’m now back talking to my family and it’s thanks to the encouragement from my daughter and mother to stay that I completed the programme.

“They are all very proud of me now and I hope that one day I might eventually work helping other addicts. The future is looking great.

?

The treatment approach at Coolmine is based on peer support and participants are expected to contribute to the general running of the community, and to their own recovery, by actively taking part in educational activities and in group and individual therapy sessions.