Connect 4 is a pilot project, developed by South Dublin County Partnership (SDCP) and Tallaght Drugs & Alcohol Task Force (TDATF), to engage with detached young people in West Tallaght.

Connect 4 Project Aims & Objectives - Our primary objective is to reach out to and support young individuals who may be facing various challenges. We aim to provide assistance to those at risk, including those dealing with mental health issues, engaging in anti-social behavior, and involved in drug use or drug-related crimes. Our focus is on extending a helping hand to these young people, ensuring they receive the care and support they need in a friendly and professional manner.

While there is a broad menu of youth services in the Tallaght area, it was regularly noted by such services in Kilinarden and Jobstown that there was a cohort of young people not engaging and who probably would never attend a formal youth service. Terms such as “hard to reach” “untouchable,” and “lawless” were frequently used to describe this group. Many are involved in risky behaviours (including but not limited to drug use, drug dealing and other drug related crimes) and contributing to the overall feeling of unsafety and lawlessness in both areas. SDCP, through the TDATF structures researched the underpinning reasons for this. Models such as “Easy Street” which originated in Sweden and was adopted by the TRY Project in Dublin 8 and Ballymun Regional Youth Resource (BRYR) were visited. This informed a proposal for a detached street work pilot project, focusing on West Tallaght, where the concentration of complex youth issues was most intense. Funding for the pilot which began in April 2022 and running until October 2023, was secured from the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) delivered by SDCP...