2016 was a challenging year for Soilse. Organisationally, we were down staff which significantly undermined our capacity to work with groups and individuals. At the same time, the number of drop-ins by former participants increased substantially which further increased pressure on available staff time.

The drop-ins were due to the huge and often insurmountable difficulties people faced securing basic needs such as housing and educational supports. In many cases this resulted in relapse. Among the many issues faced by this excluded and vulnerable group were: isolation, deteriorating mental health, a lack of options for women and children, an absolute shortage of affordable, secure or adequate accommodation, few drug-free accommodation options, poverty, and a reliance on food banks. This is against a backdrop of easy access to and availability of drugs on the streets, a climate of violence and intimidation in communities especially in the north inner city, and gambling, the sex trade and internet abuse.