Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD has today outline the success of an education programme for people living with addiction issues. In 2023, the Department and the Higher Education Authority awarded €833,000 for a partnership between Tiglin and the South East Technological University. To date, 92 students and 30 staff members have benefited from the educational programme. 

Minister Harris said: “This is a truly transformational programme. This project is about making sure everyone gets a chance to reach their full potential in life and it is clear it is working. “A survey of the students showed 89% stated that completing a higher education had a positive impact on their confidence and belief in their abilities. “A further 81% said that it had a positive impact on their sense of purpose, with over 70% stating that they would like to undertake more studies in the future. “I believe this programme offers people a second chance at life. We all know the impact of addiction. There is not one family that has not been impacted by homelessness, drug or alcohol addiction. “Education can help break that cycle. I am so pleased to see this project embedded and now I want to see it grow.”

The three-year project, which was awarded €833,333 by the HEA in 2022, under the System Performance Funding, is delivered by SETU’s Lifelong Learning in collaboration with Tiglin and focuses on the delivery of higher education courses to individuals impacted by homelessness, drug or alcohol addiction. Dr Alan Wall, CEO of the HEA, said, “I am delighted to see how Performance Funding has contributed to the progress achieved by SETU and Tiglin. This initiative is testament to the continuing commitment of our institutions to widening the reach and accessibility of higher education. The collaboration between SETU and Tiglin is one of a number of important partnerships across social and economic life that demonstrates the impact of the higher education and research system in wider society."

Speaking about the impact of the project so far, Professor Veronica Campbell, President SETU said: “I’m delighted to be here today to celebrate the achievements of our project to date. SETU’s partnership with Tiglin, and the support it received from the HEA, means that the university can continue in its strategic goals to maximise educational opportunities for learners by enhancing alternative pathways to third-level courses. “Our partnership with Tiglin is offering real opportunity for transformational learning and broadening access to higher education for all learners involved.”

''Education is a gift nobody can take away," says Phil Thompson, CEO of Tiglin, encapsulating the spirit of empowerment that lies at the heart of this collaboration. This ground-breaking project aligns seamlessly with the National Access Plan, embodying the “whole person” approach championed by Tiglin. “Over the past year, SETU has delivered an impressive array of courses to Tiglin residents, including the Certificate in Learning to Learn at Third Level, Certificate in Introduction to Psychology, Certificate in Communications, and Certificate in Critical and Ethical Thinking in a Changing World.” This event serves as a testament to the transformative power of education, turning challenges into opportunities. The HEA-funded project will continue for a further 2 years and Tiglin and SETU remain committed to providing a pathway to a brighter and more promising future for all.

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Tiglin, established in 2008, has been a beacon of hope for countless individuals, employing the academically acclaimed ''biopsychosocial model of care'' by George Engel. Through its residential rehabs, transitional housing, societal reintegration, and employment support programmes, Tiglin has consistently empowered people to escape the fringes of society. SETU, a multi-campus university in the southeast of Ireland, has been a key partner in this journey. With a vision to transform the southeast into a thriving region, SETU has provided a diverse range of third-level courses to students globally, fostering skills and knowledge for exciting careers. The collaboration between Tiglin and SETU was forged through the visionary leadership of Phil Thompson and SETU's former Head of Faculty of Lifelong Learning, Dr Joseph Collins. What began as an exploration of entry-level courses for individuals on Tiglin's nine-month residential rehabilitation programme has evolved into a remarkable success story. The courses have progressed in both levels and complexity, with some students achieving awards as high as masters level.

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) awards Performance Funding on an annual basis to support and recognise positive performance in the higher education system. The funding is awarded on the basis of case studies that that demonstrate excellent performance within the higher education system. Impact assessment case studies are submitted on an annual basis, as part of the annual strategy and performance dialogue. In September 2022, the government allocated €5m in performance funding to support and recognise positive performance in the higher education system. Of this €5m, SETU was allocated €833,333 for their case study ‘Using the power of transformative education through inclusive education, leadership and enterprise to end the cycle of addiction.’ The case study showcased how SETU had partnered with the charity Tiglin, to provide access to higher education programmes to those participating in the Tiglin addiction recovery programme. Since commencement of the programme in January 2023, SETU has delivered programmes tailored to the needs of the Tiglin community. Delivery of programmes takes place in person in the Men’s Centre in Ashford, the Women’s Centre in Brittas Bay and the Aftercare facility in Greystones. In total, the project delivered 10 Level 6 Certificate programmes to 92 students.

In the residents in the Men’s Centre in Ashford, 3 Level 6 Certificate programmes have been delivered by SETU Lifelong Learning, in person, to 38 residents in 2023. In Tiglin’s Women’s Centre in Brittas Bay, 3 Certificate programmes have been delivered in person to 24 residents, and a further 4 Certificate programmes have been delivered to 30 students in Tiglin’s Aftercare programme in Greystones. Programmes include:

• Certificate in Foundations in Adult Learning (Level 6)
• Certificate in Communication (Level 6) 
• Certificate in Introduction to Community Development
• Certificate in Critical and Ethical Thinking in a Changing World
• Certificate in Introduction to Psychology

In a recent (December 2023) anonymous survey to the students, 89% stated that completing a higher education had a positive impact on their confidence and belief in their abilities. A further 81% said that it had a positive effect on their sense of purpose, with over 70% stating that they would like to undertake more studies in the future. Skills that respondents felt they gained most by undertaking higher education included Critical thinking skills (72%) and Verbal Communication skills (e.g. presentations; one-to-one or team discussions) also 72%. This was followed by Listening Skills (63%), Engagement Techniques (e.g. ability to give and receive feedback; working with others) - also 63% and, Non-verbal Communications (e.g. self-confidence; how you present your ideas and thoughts) at 61%. At 50%, Respondents reported the skill least developed as Organisational skills (e.g. time management; prioritisation of tasks; goal setting). Availability of technology, including laptops and support for them has been crucial in delivering programmes to the students on-site. This has been supported through SETU’s Laptop Loan Scheme and SETU’s Computing Services Departmental.