Home > Minister of State Colm Burke announces funding for enhanced drug treatment services for homeless people.

[Department of Health] Minister of State Colm Burke announces funding for enhanced drug treatment services for homeless people. (25 Oct 2024)

External website: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/e0ec5-minister...


The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drug Strategy Colm Burke has announced almost €240,000 in funding for the enhancement of community addiction services for people who are homeless in Cork City.

Funding will support the recruitment of three Peer Support workers and two Addiction Outreach workers, as part of a €500,000 investment in community-based drug services in 2024.

This investment recognises the often-complex additional health needs of the homeless population who use drugs and alcohol, and the difficulties they experience in accessing addiction services. The provision of these additional posts will strengthen access to and availability of community services in order to reduce drug-related harms and deaths.

There will be a significant focus on outreach, ensuring that homeless people who may require support are actively approached and encouraged to engage with support services.

The funding also recognises that peer support workers are best placed to gain the trust of homeless people who wish to access treatment, and can provide practical assistance through their own lived experience.

The five new roles will also support increased access to mental health supports for this vulnerable group, by developing referral pathways to the Cork-based Dual Diagnosis service.

This investment aligns with the national drug strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery, as well as the strategic action plan 2023-2024 which commits to providing pathways to access treatment for high-risk groups.

Minister Burke said:

"I’m very pleased to have secured funding for five posts to support increased service provision for the estimated 400 homeless people in the Cork area experiencing addiction issues. This investment will help in bridging gaps in service provision and in supporting more people to seek and accept help for problem drinking and drug-taking.”

He added:

“People who are homeless often have difficulties in engaging with addiction services due to their underlying complex needs. This investment will help save lives in Cork by reaching out to this vulnerable group and supporting them to engage with health services.

“Reducing drug-related harm and deaths is at the heart of our national drug strategy, and we know that drug-related harm caused to any individual has a ripple effect that impacts on their families, loved ones and the wider community.

“The funding for five posts that I’m announcing today will support more homeless people to engage with addiction services and to access the supports they need to make a fresh start.”

General Manager of Social Inclusion, HSE Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, David Lane said:

“HSE Cork Kerry Community Healthcare welcomes the announcement of funding for enhanced drug treatment services for people who are homeless. We strive to support and develop innovative projects that create opportunities for vulnerable people living in Cork and Kerry. In line with ‘Sláintecare reform’, we are working hard to address health inequalities across our communities, by ensuring that people who are impacted by homelessness can access the care and support they need and deserve.

“With the funding for the enhancement of community addiction services, we can make a significant difference in the lives of people who struggle every day with their physical and mental health.”

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