On Friday 1 February, the Family Support Network held its ninth annual Service of Commemoration and Hope, entitled ’New Beginnings‘, in remembrance of those who have died from drug use and related causes. The service in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Sean McDermott Street, was attended by Minister Pat Carey TD, a representative of the Taoiseach, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Bishop Eamon Walsh and other religious representatives, as well family members, friends and representatives from family support groups throughout the island of Ireland and many people working in this area.  The Minister, Bishop Walsh and Fr Edmond Grace spoke to the packed church, and prayers and poems were read, accompanied by music provided by the Dublin West Community Church Music Group.
 
The Family Support Network was announced as an independent organisation in November 2007. Formed in 2000 under the auspices of the CityWide Drugs Crisis Campaign, the Network consists of representatives of family support groups, individual family members and those working directly with families of drug users. It aims to raise awareness of family support work and its role in the community; highlight the importance and value of work done by family support groups; provide information to families and communities on existing services and supports; highlight the extent of the drugs problem and its effects on families; campaign for better services for drug users and their families; support the involvement of the people most affected – drug users and their families – in dealing with the problem; and remember and commemorate those who have died as a result of drugs.  

Contact the Family Support Network at 175 North Strand Road, Dublin 1. Tel:01 8365168or email: sarahtgrace@gmail.com