On 20 August 2008, the Ana Liffey Drug Project (ALDP) began operating an outreach programme in Dublin’s north inner city.  This programme was developed in response to concerns raised about people with drug problems congregating on the Boardwalk along the north bank of the river Liffey.1 In addition, unpublished research by ALDP indicates that over 50% of individuals accessing ALDP services do so only once in any given month.1

 

The aim of the programme is for ALDP outreach staff to engage with people on the streets who are problem drug users and/or homeless.  Outreach staff provide a variety of services with the objective of reducing the harm associated with drug use and/or homelessness.  Services include: harm reduction and health promotion information; referrals to ALDP or other health and social care services; brief solution-focused interventions; and promotion of the ALDP freephone number (1800 78 68 28) to encourage people to access ALDP services.    Staff levels permitting, outreach is conducted every day.

 

The ALDP is in the process of developing a peer-led outreach service. Members of the ALDP peer group have created a leaflet with tips for staying safe on the street.  The next step is for the peers to go on outreach together with ALDP staff.  The peers will provide people who are problem drug users and/or homeless with information about keeping safe on the streets, and will advertise the ALDP peer group.  The aim of this peer group is to provide harm reduction information and an opportunity for people to discuss any issues that are relevant to their lives. (Janet Robinson)

 

For further information about the ALDP, contact Marcus Keane on (01) 8786899 or marcus.keane@aldp.ie, or drop in to the service at48 Middle Abbey Street, Dublin 1.