Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Hildegarde Naughton, has announced the allocation of over €240,000 to the Health Service Executive (HSE) to fund family support measures under the national drugs strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery.

This allocation is in addition to the €4 million secured in Budget 2023 to expand community and residential addiction services.

The funding will support initiatives that enhance access and delivery of drug and alcohol services in the community, which aligns with a strategic priority identified in the Midterm Review of the national drugs strategy.

Announcing the funding, Minister Naughton said:

    "Drug use by a family member doesn’t just affect the user; it can have a profound impact on family members, particularly children. I am very aware that families provide valuable support to a loved one affected by substance on their journey to recovery. I also recognise that families also have their own needs at this difficult time. It is important that we continue to support interventions like the five-step method that specifically supports families in their own right and not just as the main supporter for their loved one’s treatment."

Joseph Doyle, National Lead, Social Inclusion, HSE said:

    "A key objective of the HSE National Service Plan is to continue to support those receiving drug treatment services including children, parents and their families in partnership with TUSLA, community and voluntary services.

    "We support specific resource evidence-based family support initiatives such as the as the 5-Step Method Intervention. While in partnership with TUSLA, community and voluntary services, the HSE is also committed to implementing the Hidden Harm strategic statement and guide for practice to support people who use drugs and alcohol and their children."

The HSE is allocating the funding to:

    develop and broaden the range of supports for family members affected by addiction with a particular focus on virtual accessibility and supports through the RISE Foundation

    continue the coordination of training and support available for practitioners to deliver the 5-Step Method Intervention through C&F Training

    enabling a mapping of family support services nationally in order to identify priority areas and maximise and strengthen the provision of services