Soilse, HSE North Dublin Central's Addiction Rehabilitation Service ...

Today marks the launch of a three-day programme of events to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Soilse - HSE North Dublin Central's Addiction Rehabilitation Service. Soilse provides educational and therapeutic programmes for people who are in recovery from addiction.

Soilse's main objectives are to break the spiral of addiction, dependency and social isolation and to motivate recovering drug users to realise their potential. Since its foundation, hundreds of people with addiction problems have been through the programme with the majority living drug free, independent and fulfilled lives. Many participants have also gone on to achieve second and third-level educational qualifications. Soilse's 20th anniversary celebrations will exhibit the abilities and achievements of recovering addicts, highlighting that recovery from addiction is realisable.

Roisin Shortall Minister for State, Department of Health with responsibility for Primary Care launched the celebrations. Speaking at the event, she said: "Drug use does not have to be a life sentence. It is vital that people who are struggling with addiction problems can access the kinds of services offered by organisations, like Soilse, so that they can ideally achieve a stable drug free lifestyle."

Speaking about Soilse's role in rehabilitation, Gerry McAleenan Head of Services said: "We contribute to and work to implement national policy on drug rehabilitation; pursuing best practice standards in assessment, care planning, case management and interagency involvement, as well as pioneering research on how education contributes to the development of recovery capital."

Soilse's success rates can be judged on many levels said Gerry McAleenan, "Success for Soilse participants includes getting in and completing the programme, staying away from alcohol and other drugs, avoiding reoffending and detoxing. Success for recovering addicts can also mean gaining routine and structure to their lives, improved self esteem and family and community engagement. Participants' involvement in employment, training and adult education are also key success indicators, he said. On Friday 6 July, six former Soilse service users, including a participant from the first group in 1992, will speak about their recovery journey.

The programme of events is as follows:

Wednesday July 4
Roisin Shortall Minister for State, Department of Health with responsibility for Primary Care will launch the celebrations. The theme is 'Celebration of Creativity'. An art exhibition, drama and poetry readings will showcase participants' creative abilities. A recovery wall, where participants can post their personal messages during the three-day celebration will also be unveiled.

Thursday July 5
The Soilse Recovery Cup soccer challenge will take place - 24 teams of service users from across Dublin will take part. This will be followed by a presentation by Alan Matthews, Manager, Shelbourne Football Club.

Friday July 6
The theme is 'Recovery is Contagious'. Speakers include Joe Costello, TD, Minister for State, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade who will open proceedings, Professor Joe Barry, Specialist in Public Health Medicine and Martin Keane, Social Research Manager, Health Research Board. Former Soilse participants will also speak about their pathway through recovery.

Last updated on: 24 / 08 / 2012

Source: http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/News/newsarchive/2012archive/july2012/Soilse20thanniversary.html

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