TWENTY-EIGHT locals were presented with Achievement Award Certificates after participating in a Rehabilitation and Support Programme (RASP) project at Laneview Learning Centre Ltd. The ceremony took place at Parnell’s GAA Club, Coolock.
In existence for almost 20 years, RASP is a dynamic project with a psychosocial approach to addiction, providing many services to local Northside communities, primarily in the Coolock and Darndale area.
The centre provides a CE-funded Methadone Stabilisation Programme, a cannabis and poly-drug use programme for 18-24-year-olds and a new Pilot Progression Routes Service Programme.
The programmes include a wide variety of support and classes such as computer studies, literacy support, counselling, family support and work experience, amongst many others.
Participants who have been on the programme for up to two years are eligible for awards at the annual certification ceremony, if they commit to attendance and display signs of progression.
As participants receive so many certificates over the year, they are all combined into one award, which is presented as an overall certificate.
“You have to attend the courses, it’s a record of your achievements. It’s also validation. Some of our participants have never had an award in their entire life,” said Pat Hanna, general manager of RASP, while highlighting the benefits of the programmes.
“They can see that they’ve actually accomplished something. On top of that we encourage their family to be involved in the day and to witness it.
“If they can go home and put it up on the wall, it helps their children see what they are doing, in some cases.”
Minister of State for Communities and National Drug Strategy, Catherine Byrne, attended the ceremony and presented the awards.
“I would like to acknowledge the important role that RASP plays in the Coolock and Darndale communities by creating a safe and therapeutic learning environment for our young people with drug problems.
“RASP puts the person with a drug problem at the centre of its activities and makes a very valuable contribution to empowering drug users to engage fully in rehabilitation and social reintegration,” she said.
REPORT: Hayley Halpin
