DTALK WORKING TOGETHER - Ballyfermot Local Drug & Alcohol Task Force
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WORKING TOGETHER dTALK 2019
Introduction
Cllr Vincent Jackson
As Chair of the Ballyfermot Local Drug This edition focuses on some of the
and Alcohol Task Force (BLDATF) I am excellent community facilities available
delighted to introduce this year’s edition locally; we also highlight some of the
of dTalk our community magazine. The services available to families, who
title of this year’s edition is Working may need additional support, and
Together and the theme of this edition we emphasise the importance of
is young people and families. At communication and collaboration – this
BLDATF we are keen to ensure that the is as important for families and young
community is informed about what we people as it is for any of us.
are doing, but also that we are informed
about what the community is doing and It’s been a busy and exciting year
experiencing. At the core of the work in Ballyfermot, but we have also
of BLDATF is the community, and the experienced some challenges. This hasn’t
Cover photo courtesy of community projects we work with. As in been easy for many people locally, the
Ballyfermot Youth Service last year’s edition, this edition highlights BLDATF is aware of that. BLDATF wanted
the range of both specialised substance to use this edition as an opportunity to
misuse intervention services as well as reach out to the community and target
some of the other community projects some information for young people
which BLDATF work closely with. and families. Families are the life blood
of any community. The projects within
Inter-agency work and collaboration is at Ballyfermot recognise the important
the core of the BLDATF; this is the same role played by families and we hope this
with the projects. There’s some great edition demonstrates that.
examples in here about inter-agency BLDATF welcome your feedback and
work – Advance and Familibase working suggestions, contact details for the
with younger people, Matt Talbot and BLDATF are provided at the back of the
Star working on family support and magazine.
much more. The theme of young people
and families was chosen this year to
highlight the central role family plays in
all our lives, but in particular in the lives
of young people. BLDATF are aware of
the challenges many families and young
people can face in Ballyfermot, but we
are also acutely aware of the strengths
of local families and the value of young
people in a community.
dTALK 2019 3
Contents Foreword
5 Foreword I am delighted to have the and has become the norm. We
opportunity to write the now know that smoking weed
6 Ballyfermot Advance Project foreword for dTalk can lead to a multitude of
7 Fusion CPL - Reach Out Programme Magazine. I feel my own negative effects in our
experiences in life have mental health including
9 Ballyfermot Social Intervention Initiative given me an insight serious mental health
into surviving the conditions such as
10 Túsla Child & Family Support Network pitfalls in addiction and schizophrenia.
13 Adolescent Addiction Service Report 2018 recovery. My hope in Another issue I have
speaking openly about noticed with our youth
15 CODY – Cherry Orchard Developing Youth it is to point out available is that a perception of
services and to encourage a lack in activities can
- Seán’s Story others to speak up and not be lead to anti-social behaviour
17 Support Treatment Aftercare afraid to ask for help. and substance misuse. On a
Many people can slip under our radar positive note, over the last ten years
Rehabilitation - Ballyfermot Star and my message is to watch out for a number of youth groups have
one another. Take heed of signs with developed programmes, cafes and clubs.
19 Matt Talbot Community Trust
friends and loved ones of hopelessness, Ballyfermot hosts a number of excellent
20 Ballyfermot De La Salle GAA reckless behaviour, increase in drug or facilities, services and activities for young
alcohol use, withdrawal or talk of suicide people and families, many of which are
21 Family Matters Area Based and encourage them to seek help. outlined in this edition of dTalk. I really
Childhood (ABC) Programme Sometimes it is difficult to know what believe that as families and communities
services are available but they do exist it is imperative that we know what
22 FamiliBase and many are outlined in this edition of services are available to us and to feel
dTalk. safe in accessing these services.
26 Mental Health Issues and Substance Use I was recently invited to FamiliBase The good news is that the need for a
28 Heads Up to give a talk to young people about broad umbrella of services has been
substance misuse and I was really recognised and there is now a range of
29 Community Grants struck by the amount of young people supports available. It is important to say
attending and their level of honesty that if one does not work, try another
30 Candle Community Trust Services and sense of fun when I asked them one. There is no longer a need to be
32 Cherry Orchard Integrated Youth Service questions about their lives. I was asked to alone if you are suffering from addiction,
put an emphasis on the subject of weed mental health issues or have a loved one
34 Ballyfermot Youth Service (BYS) as statistics have shown a huge increase in addiction. Remember to reach out to
in consumption particularly with young and to keep this magazine as a reference
35 International Womens Day 2018
people over the last few years. I don’t point for services and supports in your
36 Suicide Prevention believe in shock tactics or the “say no to community.
drugs” approach as I know that it doesn’t
37 Useful Supports work but I fear that cannabis use is seen Rachael Keogh
through rose tinted glasses by our youth Author of Dying to Survive
4 dTALK 2019 dTALK 2019 5
Ballyfermot Advance Project Fusion CPL -
DOS and effective case management. Reach Out Programme
In collaboration with BSII and Familibase The Addiction Practitioner can carry out
is the Detached Outreach Service (DOS). interagency outreach to services in the
The DOS team connects with hard to catchment area to provide information
reach young people, particularly those and simplify the referral process. For the last 18 months FusionCPL have been working on an exciting new family
not already working with services.. The communications programme for families with a father in prison. This programme
work offers informal information to As a low threshold service the Advance is funded through the Ballyfermot Drug & Alcohol Task Force and FusionCPL
young people and the work also informs Project aims to be as accessible and
commissioned Archways to research, design and implement the pilot programme
knowledge staff have of what’s happening flexible with people as possible.
on their behalf.
on the ground – drug trends in the area.
5 Step Support
The Reach Out Project consists of 5 interlinked components -
Group Work The 5-Step Method is a brief intervention to
Also in collaboration with Familibase, support family members in their own right
Advance offers drug and alcohol who have a close relative with an alcohol
intervention groups. Group content is or drug problem. It has been shown to
based on best practice and interventions help reduce the strain experienced by
known to work and programmes can be family members concerned.
tailored to a group.
It is for adult family members affected by a
SMART (Self-Management and Recovery relative’s drug and/or alcohol problem, for
Training) 18 – 25 year-old specific group. It is example this may be a drug user’s partner,
a peer-support programme that uses tools sibling, parent, grandparent or adult son/
and techniques grounded in cognitive- daughter. It’s rolled out over 5 weeks. An
behavioural principles. The programme onward referral can be made depending
is designed to empower participants to on the individual’s needs. Some family
abstain and to develop a more positive members may choose to go Star where
lifestyle. The Advance project facilitates longer term support is available.
a group on Thursdays at 3:30pm, and is
aiming to become peer-led. You can avail of the service by self-referral
or be referred by another service.
Key Working
The Advance project offers key working Out of Hours
after an initial assessment is completed Advance are offerting out of hours street
and when the Project is deemed an outreach 3 evenings a week on a pilot
appropriate support for the young person. basis. The reponse so far has been really Child Interest Surveys Child Development Module
Key working is the simple process of positive and more people are engaging in Our research showed that prisoners This module will examine the three core
working with people to achieve their goals our service as well as other services in the felt they lacked information about their developmental stages that children
region as a result. child’s daily activities and needs. This progress through from the ages of three
created distance and a vulnerability at to twelve years. The modules includes
the heart of their capacity to engage information on the behaviours that
with their child. The purpose of these accompany these developmental stages
surveys is to garner information from and the thought processes and activities
both parent and child about their best suited for children throughout
everyday activities, likes dislikes, hopes, these stages.
dreams and expectations.
6 dTALK 2019 dTALK 2019 7
Enhanced Communications and perspective based communication
Module
This module covers the following
practices. Newly trained mentors will be
provided with monthly supervision by
Ballyfermot Social
components: problem solving, creative
thinking, social skills, management
trained Map mentors.
Tip sheets - Will target problems in Intervention Initiative
of emotions, negotiation skills, values communications and relationships
enhancement, and critical reasoning. that prisoners routinely face. These tip
Each component focuses on practicing sheets will be developed in interaction
certain skills. with the prisoners in the enhanced Who We Help: opportunities to mothers through
• We work with families/individuals our WISE women’s group
communication module and will enable
engaging in or experiencing anti- • We provide support and mentoring
Mentoring prisoners to problem solve and practice
social activities /behaviour and to young people from 18years
FusionCPL staff and designated the key skills required to deal with
where drug use may or may not be onwards
staff within the prison will train in an the emergence of unexpected family
a problem • We advocate on behalf of individuals
evidence based mentoring programme situation or issues of personal crisis in
• We can work with the entire family / community when engaging with
with a dual purpose. The programme relation to family communication.
or individual family members e.g. • DCC, Gardaí, Intreo and other
trains mentors in mediation and goal Reach Out is currently being piloted in
mothers, sibling, young person relevant agencies
orientated planning strategies, crisis the Progression Unit in Mountjoy with 7
themselves • We provide key workers and develop
management, family problem solving mentees.
• All clients must be over 18. care plans with clients
• Clients can be referred through
another service or can self-refer. Contact Us
• By phone, email or call into the office
What We Do • Through dcc estate management
• We support the family to look at the • Probation and welfare, schools etc.
causes of anti-social behaviour and
the effects on the family
• We provide practical support
with problems such as eviction,
relationship with Garda, housing
advice, DCC etc.
• We provide ongoing support,
training, education and social
8 dTALK 2019 dTALK 2019 9
“it takes a village to raise a child.” Tusla including schools, youth services, family
Túsla Child & Family understands that this is still true today. resources centres, medical services and
also sports clubs, such as a local football
Support Network
Tusla is not only Social Work clubs. Everything is based on parental
Many people think of terms like, “Social consent and the issues affecting that
Work,” “Child Protection,” and “Children family at that time. Meitheal is the
being taken away” when they hear parents’ meeting and they choose who
about Tusla, and that’s understandable. they want to invite to a Meitheal meeting.
The Child and Family Support Network (CFSN) in Ballyfermot and Meitheal, a Tusla However, since its establishment in 2014
led Early Intervention National Practice Model there has been two sides to Tusla: the Examples of the challenges Meitheal
child protection side is a key aspect of could help are:
the agency, but there is also a prevention, • A child having problems at school
partnership and family support side. • A child feeling down
Meitheal is firmly embedded in • Not getting on with your child
prevention, partnership and family • Family problems
support. The name Meitheal comes from • Illness or bereavement
an old Irish word that describes how • Difficult behaviour
neighbours get together to give each • Relationship with your child
other practical help and support.
If you would like more information,
Meitheal brings together the people request a Meitheal or train to become
and services who want to support a lead practitioner/ facilitator please
child or parent, so that they can make contact the CFSN Co-ordinator Miriam
the changes to their lives that they may Schweigard on 087-3431396 or miriam.
What are Child and Family and in general Community and Voluntary want or need. This can involve a number schweigard@tusla.ie
Support Networks (CFSNs)? Services. We meet every 2 months to
“
of different services and supports,
Supporting families and keeping Hear about eachother’s services and to
children safe is everyone’s business, and see how we can address any gaps and “It has helped me massively”
families should experience services as needs that may exist in Ballyfermot. We “Everyone sits at a table and we are all on the same page”,
”
easily accessible as possible. Child and work very closely with the CYPSC network “Everybody is on the same wavelengths”
Family Support Networks are comprised within Tusla.
(taken from video parents talk about Meitheal).
of the local services that play a role in
the lives of children, young people and The aim of the CFSN is to co-ordinate
families in a given area. They work with information about services and to work
families to ensure that there is ‘No Wrong in partnership so in practical terms, if
Door’ and that those who reach out will a family contacts one service within
be connected with the services that can the Network, and that service is not
best meet their needs. equipped to meet their needs, that
Network member will re-direct the family
In Ballyfermot, the child and family to the Network Member(s) who are most
support networks consists of Family appropriate to meet their needs.
Support Services, Youth Work Services,
Homeless Services, Garda Youth Diversion What is Meitheal?
Project, Family Resource Centres, Drug “Meitheal” is a Tusla led support plan that
and Alcohol Services, Educational Welfare supports families and children to find the
Officers, Primary and Secondary Schools help they need. As the old saying goes,
10 dTALK 2019 dTALK 2019 11
Case Study Adolescent Addiction
A Meitheal was requested for 7 year old
Bobby by Bobby’s school. Bobby lives
what the desired outcome is and how to
achieve those goals. Ultimately, the goal
Service Report 2018
with his mum and younger sibling. was that Bobby would be less angry,
Bobby gets angry a lot and sometimes would feel more content and happier in In 2018 the Adolescent Addiction Service 2017, see Fig.2 for comparison with other
he would hit his mum and his sibling. himself and enjoy going to school. worked with 43 young people and their years. Poor school attendance at 16% is an
While he likes his SNA (special needs families. The average of the young people issue that requires attention showing a
assistant) in school he doesn’t want A number of actions were put in place was 15 years old (range 13 - 18 years). The rise of 7% on 2017. The number of young
to go to school most days and the including:
majority (93%) were male and 11% were people who had previous/current contact
mornings can be difficult for mum. He • Additional support for mum in the
Non-Irish Nationals. In addition to direct with the Child & Adult Mental Health
has really good days and mum would mornings A parenting programme
say that when he is good he is the best for mum work with young people and families the Service (CAMHS) was also slightly higher
but there are plenty of difficult days too • Actions were taken to look at the service engaged in consultations with than 2017 at 48% but lower than at any
and mum is on her own and also has to waiting list with the disability other professionals and services about other stage over the previous twenty-
look after Bobby’s sibling. Bobby is on a services and clarify when support young people for whom there were two years. This may be influenced by
waiting list for the disability service and could be offered to Bobby and concerns in relation to substance misuse. introduction of JIGSAW Service within
mum doesn’t really understand what exactly what support will be made The numbers of young people attending catchment area and where some parents
exactly he is on waiting lists for. available. the service of school going age, who confirm receiving referral information.
were out of education/training at time All attendees were known to a number
The Home School Liaison Officer in Progress towards outcomes after a few
of referral shows a slight increase upon of agencies and on average the service
the school sat down with mum and Meitheal meetings:
looked at what was working well and • Family support came on board
where the family needed help. She was after a few weeks and is now
Jigsaw Fig 1: Referral source
the supportive person throughout the helping mum in the mornings so
Own Service Request
process, which is known as the Lead the mornings are easier and Bobby
JLO/Youth Justice
Practitioner. Together with Bobby’s gets to school on time which in turn 2018
EWO
mum, the lead practitioner arranged a makes his day in school easier.
Residential Care
Meitheal. • There have been less reports of 2017
Friend
negative behaviour
Other Adolescent
At the first meeting, mum, the lead • Mum completed the parenting
Jigsaw 2013
practitioner, the SNA, and a speech and programme and found it very
Adult Addiction Ser
language therapist from the disability useful
service sat down and looked at the • Bobby is hitting less and he now GP
2010
desired outcomes for Bobby and his gets on better with his mum and Teen Counselling
family. The meeting was facilitated sibling Probation
Outreach 1998
by an independent chair person. The • Mum also said Bobby seems
chair person is there to ensure that the happier in himself Hospital
family’s voice is being heard and that • While he is still on the waiting list Social Work
everything is fair and written down of the disability service, the family Alt Education Centre
correctly. has a clearer idea about what School
services he is waiting for and they Community Youth Proj
A number of things were discussed to now receive a regular update as to CAMHS
make fmailyfamily life easier for Bobby where they are on the list. Self
and his family. The Meitheal explores Family
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
*EWO – Educational Welfare Officer **CAMS – Child & Adult Mental Health Service
12 dTALK 2019 dTALK 2019 13
30
CODY – Cherry Orchard
Figure 2: Number of
worked with three other 25 young people of school
20 going age who were
agencies on behalf of of education or in
Developing Youth
15
young people (range=1-7) alternative education
10 at time of referral
in addition to other 5
concerned persons. The
- Seán’s Story
0 Out of Education
extent to which substance Alternative Education
98
10
13
14
15
16
17
18
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
19
misuse featured within
families was slightly lower
at 52% compared to 57% Figure 3: Referral Areas
Outside Catchment
in 2017 and incidence Palmerstown 2018 Seán Henaghan kindly spent some time to talk to me about a recent trip to Waterford
of parental separation Lucan 2017 with the Cherry Orchard Developing Youth group, better known as CODY.
was also lower at 56% Inchicore
2010
1998
compared to 63% in 2017. Ballyfermot using their own bikes or waiting for new
Cannabis/Weed continues
Clondalkin bikes which might be better for long
to be the primary
0 5 10 15 20 25 distance cycling. While some opted to
substance of use at 72%
use their own, Seán’s decision to wait for
with an overall use rate of
a new bike to be supplied to CODY paid
97% while Alcohol featured person who subsequently adults to identify young
off as his bike had double suspension and
among 70% of attendees. ceased attending service. people within risk groups
made the trek much more comfortable.
Other substances of use The majority of young at early stage and to
CODY already has camping gear for the
included Cocaine 36%, people 93% were seen elevate concern for them.
group as it is focussed on an outdoor
Amphetamines 30%, by Family Therapist only,
education approach with young people.
Benzodiazepines 12%, with 7% having Psychiatric The Adolescent Addiction
Ketamine 7% and LSD 5%. Assessment and no young Service provides support CODY
Based in the Cherry Orchard Equine Pitching Camp and the Cycle
Other issues presented person was prescribed and treatment in relation
Centre, CODY is a GYDP, which is co- The group, along with camping gear and
related to indebtedness medication. As in previous to Alcohol and Drug Use
funded by the Irish Government and bikes, packed into a minibus and drove
and absconding. years most young for young people under
the European Social Fund as part of to Waterford. Once dropped off they
Additionally, three young people had established age 18yrs and families from
the ESF Programme for Employability, faced a 5 and a half hour cycle to their, as
people (7%) had Social patterns of substance Ballyfermot, Clondalkin,
Inclusion and learning. (PEIL) 2014-2020. yet undetermined, camp site. It became
Work involvement and use prior to referral and Palmerstown, Lucan and
very dark as they pitched their tent in
fourteen (32%) had been as a consequence some Inchicore.
Trip to Waterford rain and wind. The could hear but not
assigned Junior Liaison struggle to maintain • Advice
Pat, the Group Leader, had planned with see the waves crashing onto the beach
Officer at some stage. drug free status but most • Support
the lads in CODY to travel to Waterford nearby.
The service submitted achieve stability and • Assessment
four Child Protection several remain abstinent. • Family Therapy and cycle the Greenway. The group had
been building up to the trip during the Darkness
Notifications and worked As such the challenge • Professional
summer by practising camping skills Into Light
towards convening within community is for Consultation
such as putting up tents and outdoor This was no ordinary
Meitheal for one young parents and non-parental • Medication (if required)
cooking. The group also had to build camping trip however.
up their endurance as they undertook a After a short shelter and
50km cycle. Part of the planning involved rest from the inclement
getting the proper gear together and conditions, the lads got
Seán was well prepared with his rain gear back on the bikes for a
that he uses when he’s looking after his short cycle to the start
horse. The lads were given the option of of Waterford’s Darkness
14 dTALK 2019 dTALK 2019 15
into Light Walk. The walk has special tragedy. The hardest part for Seán and his
meaning for Seán and his best pal. Both
young men had lost people close to
mother, Lisa, was not being able to say
goodbye. Their loved one seemed to pass Support Treatment Aftercare
Rehabilitation - Ballyfermot Star
them. By sad coincidence, both of their very suddenly and there was no time to
mother’s best friends died by suicide prepare for it. Seán said that it is sad that
and both within the last two years. It someone could feel so badly. Seán went
has been a meaningful commitment for on to say that there was a time when you
Seán, his buddy and their mothers, to wouldn’t hear about suicide or mental Report of Interview with Sunniva Finlay (CEO Ballyfermot Star), Kathleen Cronin
do the Darkness into Light to remember health but now there is more awareness (Réalt na Clann Manager) and Gary Roche (Project Officer, BLDATF)
their loved ones and to connect with the and young people are more likely to talk
support and solidarity of everyone who about it. Seán spoke about Pieta House Sunniva and
walks into the light every year. The lads and calls for more services like Pieta to be Kathleen kindly there was a lot of love for each other, little
gave their time to frustrations sometimes made it difficult
were behind the main group and, after established.
talk to me about to see it. They agreed that things could be
registering for the walk, jogged the candle
the services of done differently and together they drew
lined walk to catch up. Seán told me the Seán’s Message up a plan that Doreen wouldn’t go into
Ballyfermot Star.
event was very solemn and respectful While talking to Seán, what struck me Billy’s room unannounced Billy agreed
As the theme of this edition is Young
and, as always, had a deep impact on him. was his resilience and positivity while to hoover his own room. The result was
People and Families I asked them to talk
A local school had opened its doors to the talking about something that he found about some of the work being done in that the hoover was left outside the
walkers and local volunteers provided very hard to bear. I asked him if he had this area. Billy’s room sometimes for a couple of
water, breakfast cereal, coffee and tea. a message for other people experiencing days without it being used. However, it
the same sadness and he answered: Kathleen gave me an example of local was used regularly and the household
Semicolon “People can feel on their own and think Family Support work. A local mother, we’ll became more peaceful. Billy did great
call her Doreen was having a hard time work with his project worker reducing his
Seán showed me his tattoo of a semicolon. no-one cares about them. I felt like that
with her adolescent son, Billy (not his real weed use and started to attend school on
One part of it is a full stop on its own, once. But then I thought about my
name) who was often reluctant to attend time.
but with friends and family who care. If people can
school and was frequently aggressive
a comma reach out, there is help out there”. Services for Women
towards her at home. Doreen approached
attached is Sunniva spoke about recent tragedies in
Kathleen for support and advice. While
it a sign of I’d like to thank Seán for sharing his story having a chat Doreen said she believed Ballyfermot where young women had
resilience. with me. I’d like to thank Pat O’Connor of Billy was smoking weed. Kathleen asked taken their own lives and how the impact
Seán sees CODY for facilitating an interview with for an example of how things worked at was felt in the community. Ballyfermot
it as people Seán and many thanks to the rest of the home. Doreen was keen to have the house Star facilitated an emergency community
showing their CODY group. hoovered and cleaned in the mornings. meeting on July 8th, when local mental
She would often go into Billy’s room to health and addiction services were invited
solidarity
hoover which made him angry. Billy said to come up with some actions to address
with one Gary Roche – Project Officer with
that his privacy was being invaded. As a the issue. The meeting was well attended
another and Ballyfermot Local Drug & Alcohol Task and Star will work collaboratively with
result of the chat, the Billy was invited to
carrying on Force local services to offer support of various
come into Ballyfermot Star to speak to a
in the face of kinds to young women, many of whom
project worker who is specially trained
to work with young people. Kathleen in the community are mothers. Star has
continued to support Doreen. Doreen already made referrals to the Senior
If any of this article has raised issues for you and you need help, also availed of some holistic therapies and Clinical Psychologist in the Primary
Care Centre in Cherry Orchard. Part of
please contact your GP. There are also non-judgmental and a parent’s support group. When Doreen
and Billy felt comfortable enough to do normal service delivery for Star involves a
supportive services such as the Samaritans – 24 hours - call free so, they were invited in for another chat, Women’s Group where a lot of personal
development support is provided. Also,
from any phone on 116123, or Pieta House Ballyfermot for an this time together with Kathleen. They
were given a chance to express their own women receive support and guidance
appointment phone 01-6235606 points of view. It was clear that although when experiencing domestic violence.
16 dTALK 2019 dTALK 2019 17
Services to Young People changing and the benefits will impact
Ballyfermot Star has
Community Reinforcement Approach
Adolescent on their families. Star has a weekend
away planned for Family Support Group Matt Talbot Community Trust
(ACRA) trained workers to support young members. There will be a facilitated
people with substance misuse issues. group on Forgiveness to help people
come to terms with, and overcome, The Matt Talbot Community Trust individuals who would like to access the
While Star will work with young people
wrongs experienced in the past. There provides support for individuals in programme on a voluntary basis.
individually, the involvement of parents
or other responsible adults is ideal. Star was a great uptake for this group and recovery from addiction and returning
has worked with the Integrated Youth Star intend to organise similar events in from prison. At its core, our work aims to Matt Talbot Community Trust in
Service to provide specialist expertise the future. • promote independence, integration Ballinascorney – Giving Back to
to substance misuse issues. Some of and progression in the lives of our the Community
the work involves challenging ideas ‘At Réalt Beag Child and Family Centre participants On the 29th August, Matt Talbot
about drug/alcohol use and challenging Star we provide high quality affordable • encourage the participant and all participants hosted members of the
beliefs. If a young person feels that there childcare and family support which is so members of our community to local Family Support Group, Réalt na
is ‘nothing to do’ Star might introduce important for the parents and guardians re-imagine their role within their Clann, to a holistic therapy day in their
pro-social activities and link the young wishing to participate in rehabilitation environment and to become positive Ballinascorney facility. Matt Talbot
person in with a drama, sport of youth programmes. We conduct a child centred contributors to family, community participants accompanied the women
club. Sunniva made the point that young approach to early learning through the and social stability on a hike in the local hills and treated
people will experiment and sometimes High Scope curriculum which encourages • build awareness of the issues facing the group to a lovely home cooked
the best we can do is to keep them as children to construct their own learning
our target group and build the meal before providing the space for
safe as possible and keep the lines of by doing and being involved in working
capacity of services to respond holistic therapies provided by qualified
communication open. Very often the with materials, people and ideas. This
The organisation works with our Ballyfermot Star practitioners.
work involves ‘negotiating freedom’ as identifies and builds on children’s
participant group to develop a tailored
young people cannot be kept locked in strengths.’
‘Our service operates 49 weeks a year. plan that encompasses developing a
their rooms. Freedom in safety for young
We have a full time service and we care route into education and/or employment
people means freedom for their families
for children aged 3 months to 5 years old. coupled with social supports such as
also as they are not keeping their children
We encourage healthy eating and the counselling, key-working, family support
under constant scrutiny.
children enjoy a range of home cooked and group work.
Breaking the Intergenerational meals every day which includes breakfast, The Matt Talbot Community Trust runs
Cycle dinner and afternoon snack. a Community Employment Scheme day
Both Sunniva and Kathleen are passionate We work alongside parents to ensure programme and accepts referrals from
about breaking the intergenerational their children are provided with the
cycle of substance misuse. Part of this is to care and attention they need including:
help people overcome intergenerational speech therapy, play therapy and
trauma. Star set up a Trauma group psychology. These are provided by health
with a specially trained facilitator. The care professionals who come in to work
outcomes for group members were life with the children as needed.’
Other Services
Ballyfermot Star offers group and
individual supports for men and women
who wish to reduce their substance use
or become entirely drug/alcohol free.
Star will also work with people who wish
to address gambling issues. One-to-one
key-working is provided following an
Matt Talbot had a great fundraising concert on Wednesday
assessment and follows a comprehensive
Jessie Buckley (right) at the Matt 25th September to raise funds to rebuild their premises; much
care-plan agreed with each individual.
Talbot Merch and Info stall, Vicar of which was burnt down in the last year. The concert sold out
St, Wednesday 25th, 2019. and was very enjoyable.
18 dTALK 2019 dTALK 2019 19Ballyfermot De La Salle GAA Family Matters Area Based
Childhood (ABC) Programme
Ballyfermot De la Salle GAA Club is more
than just a club, it is an extension of the
Ballyfermot Community in which there Supporting an Area Based Approach to Prevention and Early Intervention in
is a place in the club for every single Ballyfermot / Cherry Orchard.
person regardless of ability, age, gender
or ethnicity. Ballyfermot De La Salle GAA Family Matters ABC is part of the national Direct Speech and Language Therapy
Club strategic plan outlines the club’s ABC Programme which seeks to work at Two Senior Speech and Language
strategy to be inclusive as possible and an area based level to improve outcomes Therapists (SLTs) work with families and
for children and families. Family Matters children who have difficulties accessing
ensure that nobody is left isolated or
ABC focuses in improving health and services. Families may experience
excluded on any grounds. Over the last
wellbeing, educational and social barriers to accessing services due to
three years the club worked tirelessly
outcomes for children and young people homelessness, substance misuse, mental
to develop our facilities, upskill our in Ballyfermot and Cherry Orchard. health issues or intellectual difficulties.
coaches and implement a number of Speech and language is offered in a
project to promote inclusivity and mental a holistic approach when supporting a variety of settings and referral can be
wellbeing. members and contributing back to our Our Work made through a number of avenues.
community. Our Green Ribbon month has We support families and children to be: Speech and language therapy helps a
Programs such as Pride held to promote good mental health, not • Active and healthy child to understand language, ability to
awareness month. just for our players and coaches but the • Achieving their full potential in areas express themselves, speech sounds and
We are the first and whole community. We ran numerous of learning and development conversation
only GAA team to have • Being safe and protected from harm
even such as having a talk from ex Dublin
the rainbow flag on our • Have economic security and Botvin LifeSkills programme
footballer Shane Carty about his struggles
Jersey. opportunity The LifeSkills Programme is a school
with mental health that was attended by
• Are Connected, respected and based programme which works on
over 140 people from the community and contributing to their world children’s coping skills. The programme
As a club that is a reflection of the local schools. aims to help children and young people
local community we too have had our
Some of our Programmes: by building their resilience and self
share of members that are struggling We also delivered leaflets promoting confidence in managing risky situations
with mental health and unfortunately a mental health to all the schools in the Up to 2 Programme and to help them make healthy decisions
number of members who felt they couldn’t community. The aim of this was not just Incredible Years Baby and Toddler are in their lives.
reach out and took their own lives. As a club for the students but for each home to designed to support the parent-child • Youth engagement:
we came together and decided that if we have a leaflet in the hope that it may relationship from birth through to 2 years • Family Development Work
wanted to be viewed as a Club rather than resonate with a least one person and be of age. • Parents Plus Adolescents
a collection of teams we needed to take very worthwhile. Programme
Parent Child Plus • Development of Trauma Informed
The ParentChild+ programme is a school schools / services
Ballyfermot De La Salle GAA always welcome new members. readiness programme. This programme • Mental Health Training
Please contact 086 2189173 if you are interested in playing centres around a ‘learning through We also offer a range of training on
play experience’ for parents and their mental health, suicide prevention, and
hurling or football or if you are interested in supporting the preschool children. The programme responding to self-harm.
club. Training is normally twice a week in the evenings with a is designed to strengthen the natural
bond between parent and child and to
match at the weekend. encourage a love of learning.
20 dTALK 2019 dTALK 2019 21Child Supports routines.
FamiliBase • Key-working - providing a fun, safe
space for emotional and practical Teen Parent Support Programme
support The Teen Parent Support Programme
• Coordinating practitioners and offers support to young mothers and
FamiliBase is a centre for children, young people and families based in Ballyfermot. services around the child fathers up to 25 years old who are either
We provide a range of services across three strands: 1) Early Years, 2) Youth & • Being a single point of regular and expecting or have young children.
Community Supports, 3) Child & Parent Supports consistent contact with the child /
young person One-to-One Work
• Support and advocacy in relation The Teen Parent Support Worker offers
Early Years Supports.
to education and positive school parents support with issues such
engagement, this also includes as coping with being a new parent,
The Child Welfare Programme
accessing third level education. homelessness, back to education,
The Child Welfare Programme is an
• Support to access necessary services parenting and bonding and helps
intensive family support programme
i.e. CAMHS, therapeutic services, strengthen the involvement of fathers
offered to children, young people
after-schools, youth groups etc. in the lives of their children. At times, the
and families experiencing parental
• Group support worker has also supported grandparents
substance misuse and/or mental
Parent Supports and guardians also.
Strand 1 - Early Years Care and health issues. Referrals can be made
• Regular home-visit’s to provide
Education through self-referral or by other
support around parenting, routines, Groupwork
The purpose of FamiliBase early child services. The programme helps develop
budgeting, relationship building or The groups focus on developing the baby
care and education setting is to provide and strengthen the parent and child
whatever the parent identifies as and parent’s social skills and encourage
quality, affordable childhood care and relationship whilst also ensuring specific
needing support peer support among the mothers. The
education in the local community. and individual supports are available for
groups also allow for discussion around
We offer a full time care service for 50 parents and the child.
the issues that can often be experienced
weeks of the year. FamiliBase provides
by the young parents. Familibase are in
a play based curriculum that is guided The Childcare Fund
the process of developing a young fathers
by Aistear, the national Early Childhood Ballyfermot Local Drug & Alcohol Task
group in the near future.
Curriculum Framework. We know that Force fund childcare places for children of
that the first five years of a child’s life are parents who are accessing treatment and
Therapeutic Support
the foundation that shapes children’s rehabilitation services for problematic
FamiliBase have a panel of counsellors
future health, happiness, growth and substance misuse. If you are a parent
who work with some of our young people
development - their sense of belonging and feel this fund may be of help, local
and parents The counselling service is
in the family and in the community. The addiction support services will support
offered to peoplealready engaged on the
education and care we give each child is your application. Please contact Clare on
• Crisis Intervention. programme.
aimed at enhancing their opportunity to 086-8599564 or e-mail childcarefund@
• Support accessing services to
develop and thrive in their early years. familibase.ie for further information.
address addiction or mental health Parenting Programmes
needs The programmes we offer are:
• Co-ordination of, support to and • The Incredible Years Programme
Strand 2 - Child & Parent advocacy at appointments i.e. - including 0-2, Toddler and Basic
Supports meetings with other services, Parenting Programmes
The Child and Parent Support Strand
medical appointments for children, • Parents Plus Programme’s including
provide a range of supports from group
speech and language therapy, school 0-6 and Adolescents Programmes
parenting programmes to intensive
meetings etc. • Circle of Security
family support. We use an holistic whole
• Morning programme three times • Parents Under Pressure
family approach and work alongside the
weekly to encourage school • Non-Violence Resistance training to
other elements within FamiliBase such as
attendance and support parents to parents experiencing child-to-parent
the Youth and Community Supports and
develop good morning and evening violence.
22 dTALK 2019 dTALK 2019 23Cherry Orchard Running Club
In 2016 Familibase were reviewing their
Strand 3 - programme and looking for ways to
Youth & Community Supports reach local young people not engaging
Arts Programmes in services. Running was proposed as an
Art provides a unique opportunity for outreach activity to attempt to engage
young people to improve their mental these young people in a health and
health and express themselves. Arts are available for young people social initiative. Familibase engaged with
20 spaces for Youth work delivery in the
programmes are available at no cost to attend. We firmly believe that the local residents involved in running
following spaces:
to the participants And we encourage such programmes help young marathons and races and asked them
• Youth Cafés
young peropleto gain a strong ownership people to learn about their physical for their support in coaching the young
• Youth Clubs
of the facilities and programmes within and emotional well- being, self- people for running activities. In February
• Issue based Groups responding to
FamiliBase. management and self-care. 2017, the junior section of Cherry Orchard
specific of young people
• Music Recording studio access via • Outdoor Education Programmes Running Club was established. The Club
open spaces Community Initiatives Programme was officially registered with the AAI in
• Volunteer Leadership training
• Arts Based Groups The Community Initiatives Programme April 2017, since then it has grown from
• Teenage and Junior Music Groups supports the Ballyfermot community strength to strength. We run a beginner
We offer outreach as a strategy across all
• Theatre and Film Making to develop and implement ideas and Couch to 5k three times a year and our
programmes, community development
• Transition Year Programmes initiatives that begin at the community senior members are involved in various
initiatives and volunteer development of
• After schools Arts Programmes level. Examples of these initiatives would competitions from 5k up to Marathon
‘at risk’ young People from aged 10 up to
• Open Mic Nights be: and Iron Man competitions. Our juvenile
25. We also offer a number of open social
• Advocacy through Arts recreational space late night Fridays and section train twice a week, Tuesday
• Offers support to Community Based Horsepower and Thursdays at 6.30pm in the park
Saturdays until 10 pm.
Arts Initiatives Horsepower is a community response to in Cherry Orchard. We have plans to
The recording studio and film-making the issue of horse ownership and welfare in develop a junior park run in autumn of
Substance Misuse Programme
equipment is available to any young people the Cherry Orchard area. The Horsepower 2019. If you are interested in joining the
At FamiliBase we provide a young
accessing our open Youth Café space committee are fromCherry Orchard. Cherry Orchard Running Club drop into
person’s substance misuse programme.
and Youth Club Space. The Music group The committee works closely with DCC, Familibase for a registration form.
We help young people to recognise the
and some of our Arts spaces are open for the Cherry Orchard Equine centre and
impact of theirdrug use
referral. Drop in to FamiliBase or call Alan local councillors. Their aim is to provide H.O.M.E - (Helping Others More Every-day)
• We provide intensive wrap around
on 087 262 8899 for more information on a response to illegally owned horses in Most recently Familibase has supported
support for young people who
Arts programmes. the area and also to help young people to the Home Committee Group to organise
misuse substances. We use
participate in training and employment. a festival of hope in Ballyfermot in
care plans which are agreed in
Youth work Programmes Ultimately Horsepower want to develop September 2019 to mark world Suicide
consultation with the young person
Across an average week we offer over a site in the Cherry Orchard/ Park West Awareness Day. Home is a local group set
and their family.
area for an equine facility that will rent up by the community for the community.
• We deliver group educational
stables at an affordable rate to local horse Their aim is to promote a healthy attitude
programmes that aim to prevent,
owners with the ambition of a social to mental health. They aim to create
raise awareness and reduce the
enterprise element to the facility also. events, educate, and raise awareness in the
harm of substances amongst young
The committee is strongly committed hope of removing the stigma that prevents
people
to horse welfare and continues to build people speaking out about mental health.
• Smart Recovery: is a group
a positive working relationship with the
intervention supporting young
DSPCA.
people to build and maintain
motivation, cope with urges,
manage thoughts, feelings and
behaviours and learn to live a
balanced life. Phone 01 654 6800 Email info@familibase.ie
• Yoga and Mindfulness groups
24 dTALK 2019 dTALK 2019 25Mental Health Issues and
Substance Use
– Recap from the last edition
Supporting an Area Based Approach to Prevention and Early Intervention in
Ballyfermot / Cherry Orchard.
It is very important to check in with wish to reduce their use and support
ourselves around alcohol and drug use. people to access assessment and
Using substances to cope, or simply treatment for mental health difficulties.
as part of a daily routine, can be habit Fusion CPL also run Reduce the Use
forming. Alcohol and drug misuse can programmes throughout the year.
lead to mental health issues, and they
can be harmful to general health. Taking The relationship between
combinations of substances (alcohol is cannabis use and mental Having a family history of mental illness (Permission to reproduce this information
often one of them) can be particularly health problems increases the likelihood of experiencing was kindly provided by Tallaght Youth
harmful to health and wellbeing. Using Even once off use of cannabis can cause negative mental health effects when Drug & Alcohol Service (YoDA) from their
a lot of cocaine and ‘downers’ such as a sense of panic and increased anxiety. cannabis is used regularly. Is there publication ‘Cannabis and You’)
benzodiazepine, ketamine or sleeping What is known so far? a history of mental health problems
tablets puts a huge strain on the brain • Available evidence suggests that somewhere in your family?
and can result in psychosis and mental people who use cannabis in their
breakdown. Long term binging on teens have an increased risk of
alcohol and/or cocaine, even when developing schizophrenia when
limited to weekends, will have a negative compared with non-cannabis users. Green Ribbon
overall effect on mental health. The good
news is that significant reduction of use
• Some people with mental illness use
cannabis to relieve their symptoms.
Month 2019
can very often reverse negative mental It can actually make the condition
health symptoms. worse and more difficult to manage In May 2019 the BLDATF ran a series
Sometimes people use substances to in the long term. of pop-ups around the community all
help with mental health symptoms. • People who use cannabis are more throughout the month. The purpose
Sometimes medical services require likely than others to experience of the pop-ups was to raise awareness
people to be free of non-prescription episodes of depression. of services and to work with other
substances before commencing • A heavy session can cause a short- agencies and organisations across
assessment or treatment for mental term psychotic episode that can last the community to help reduce the
health conditions. For people who find from several hours to 2-3 days. stigma associated with mental health
themselves in this situation, there are • The brain of a person under 21 is issues. All the BLDATF agencies got
Gary Roche the Project Officer with BLDATF
a lot of community supports that will still developing. Using hash or weed involved and a representative from
and Clara Geaney the Coordinator of the
help people to access mental health interferes with the fine tuning of the the Ballyfermot Primary care Mental BLDATF at the Green Ribbon Launch in the
treatment. Ballyfermot Advance and developing brain. Health team joined in too. Ballyfermot Civic Centre in May 2019
Ballyfermot Star will support people who
26 dTALK 2019 dTALK 2019 27Heads Up Community Grants
What is the Heads Up 2. Heads Up Main Programme
Programme? The main programme lasts for 12 weeks
BLDATF recognise the important role
Heads Up is a group based education and is run over two mornings per week.
played by community groups and
and support programme. It aims to give Lots of different topics are covered and
initiatives in strengthening the capacity
you the tools required to help improve it’s a great opportunity to get to know
of the community to offset the harms
your mental health and improve your other men in a supportive environment.
of problematic substance misuse.
physical fitness, as well as set achievable The first morning focuses on building
Substance misuse is a broad issue, which
goals for yourself. your wellbeing and resilience. The
affects individuals, the community
second morning focuses on life planning
and families in a variety of ways.
Who is it for? and goal setting, followed by an hour
Responding to the harms of substance
• Men over the age 18 of physical activity. A tasty lunch is also
misuse requires collaboration and a
• Interested in improving your mental provided on each day.
shared understanding right across the
health and wellbeing
community. The BLDATF use the Grants
• Living in the Dublin 8, 10 or 12 area 3. Mini Heads Up Programme
This is a 4-6 week programme which Scheme to help small community groups
• Motivated to make a change
consists of just one session per week, to develop their programmes, strengthen
their capacity and provide resources
How is Heads Up delivered? delivered over 2.5 hours. It gives an
introduction into the different topics that to local people. This year Ballyfermot
It is a very flexible programme that
are covered on the main programme Partnership Community Development
considers the individual needs and
and is a good option for someone team were on hand to offer support
abilities of everyone who attends. It is
who is waiting for a place on the main to projects with their applications. In recreational activities for young and old
delivered in a number of different ways.
programme, or who cannot commit to December 2018 BLDATF and BCP hosted across Ballyfermot and Cherry Orchard.
12 weeks. a funding workshop with the successful Ballyfermot LDATF would like to
1. Heads Up Workshops
These are 2 hour workshops that applicants. This was a great opportunity congratulate all the successful applicants
take place in different venues in the Where will it take place? for projects to learn about eachother’s on their hard work on their projects over
community .They give you a taster of what It will take place in locally accessible work and really showed to value of small the year.
Heads Up is all about. You are welcome centres in Dublin 8, 10 and 12 over the community initiatives in their provision
to attend any workshop without having coming months. of sporting, social, entertainment and The successful applicants are below.
to commit to anything else!
Organisation Purpose
If you are interested or would like to find out more Basement Productions January Panto set, lighting and advertisement.
information about Heads Up, please contact Yvonne De La Salle GAA Club Equipment and hall hire
Davis on 087 3837386 or email ydavis@bcpartnership.ie D10 Youth Swim Club Swimming lessons and exams
Gurteen youth Club Drug awareness programme
Men’s Shed Equipment
St John’s Ambulance Training equipment
St Ultans Afterschool Co-Op Yoga instructor training
28 dTALK 2019 dTALK 2019 29Candle Community
surrounding areas. Candle Youth Service
strive to target young people most at
need of extra support in their lives. Some
Trust Services of the activities that take place during
the club include art, cooking, sports
and teamwork activities. Candle also
provide developmental programme on
leadership, teamwork, environmental
awareness, drug and alcohol awareness
and communication skills.
The Therapeutic Space, working in
an integrated way with all our service
provision, and underpinned by the key
methodology of the Trauma Recovery
Model, seeks to enable recovery from
trauma and facilitate healthy growth and
development of the young person. The
Therapeutic Space provides therapies Candle Community Trust Campus
on site at Candle namely counselling, recently underwent a redevelopment. Our
drama therapy, acupuncture, reflexology, new building now has designated hub
yoga and mindfulness sessions as part of for the Therapeutic Space and renovated
the overall programming which young spaces for the education programme and
people engage in. The service is unique youth service. We believe that the new
in its approach, creating ‘care within a redeveloped site is providing a unique
circle of care’ or a ‘wrap around’ service space to deliver our existing and new
which delivers significantly positive services for young people, thereby greatly
outcomes for children and young people enhancing children’s and young people’s
engaging with Candle. lives.
Candle Community Trust, is an NGO a second-chance in both their education
working with “at risk” young people and personal development.
in Ballyfermot, Dublin 10. The project Candle’s educational services; the For more information, please look at our newly
aims to provide a context for emotional, Training programme and Connect
launched website. www.candletrust.ie
intellectual, physical, social and spiritual provide a wide and comprehensive range
growth and development. Working of modules at QQI level 3 and 4. The
through 4 main programmes, namely young people work towards achieving a
the Training Programme, Connect Major Award with successfully completed
Project, Youth Service and Therapeutic modules in Communications, Maths, IT,
Space the Project provides a range of Work Experience, Career Preparation,
educational and developmental modules Painting, Graphics, Wood work and
for approximately 80 daily participants. Health Related Fitness.
Candle is funded primarily by 4 main Candle also delivers a high-quality
funding agencies, i.e. Probation Service, youth service to young people aged
CDETB, TUSLA and HSE. Most of the 10-25 years, offering a number of
young people who attend Candle have daytime and evening drop in clubs. The
experienced significant marginalization Youth Programme provides a range of
and disadvantage in a number of recreational, developmental services to
aspects of their lives. For many Candle is young people in the Ballyfermot and
30 dTALK 2019 dTALK 2019 31You can also read
