An exploration by Corr1 of drug use among new communities in Ireland reported that drug users from new communities were generally unaware of drug service provision in Ireland, and were doubtful of the confidentiality of information held by such services. The report recommended that information material produced for these communities highlight the range of services provided in Ireland and their confidential nature. It also recommended that the information be translated into appropriate languages and distributed in places where drug users from new communities were most likely to frequent.

Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI), the largest voluntary sector provider of homeless and drugs services in Ireland, has taken the lead in this regard and recently produced information leaflets in English, Polish and Russian detailing service provision at MQI. The leaflets contain details on services for drug users such as needle exchange, methadone prescribing, residential drug-free services, and settlement and integration services providing help with accommodation and training and employment support. Also included are details of the services for homeless people, including crisis support, meals service, primary healthcare and a women’s health programme. Opening hours and direct-dial phone numbers specific to each service are provided. The services are open to all individuals experiencing drug use or homelessness. Service providers in the drugs area wishing to avail of these leaflets for dissemination to their clients are invited to contact MQI for arrangements. You may contact Niamh Randall at 01 6790044 for further information.  

1. Corr C (2004) Drug use among new communities in Ireland: an exploratory study. Dublin: Merchants Quay Ireland.