North Eastern Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force NE-RDATF - Department of Health
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North Eastern Regional Drug & Alcohol Task
Force (NE-RDATF
(Serving Counties Cavan, Louth, Meath & Monaghan)
1 Castle Street, Kells, Co Meath
T: 046 924 8630 F: 046 924 8203
E: info@nedrugtaskforce.ie Website: www.nedrugtaskforce.ie
Annual Report 2014
Chairperson: Jim Mullery
Coordinator: Andrew Ogle2014
ANNUAL REPORT OF NE-RDATF TO THE DRUGS PROGRAMME UNIT
Contents
1 An overview of the drugs problem in your area .................................................................................................................. 3
1.1 Detailed Profiles: ................................................................................................................................................................................. 3
1.1.1 Drug usage in the North East Region ..................................................................................................................... 3
1.1.2 Emerging trends in drug use the North East Region ...................................................................................... 4
1.2 The main issues identified by NE-RDATF addressed in 2014 arising from this pattern of drug use. .. 4
2 Progress made in 2014 in implementing your local drugs strategy under each of the five pillars of the National
Drugs Strategy......................................................................................................................................................................................... 109
2.1 Supply Reduction................................................................................................................................................................ 109
2.2 Prevention ................................................................................................................................................................................ 10
2.3 Treatment ........................................................................................................................................................................... 1110
2.4 Rehabilitation.................................................................................................................................................................... 1211
2.5 Research .............................................................................................................................................................................. 1211
3 Profile of NE-RDATF funded Projects ............................................................................................................................... 1312
3.1 An analysis of the impact of NE-RDATF projects, as a group, in addressing the drugs problem in your area
and their continued relevance to your local drugs strategy. ....................................................................................... 1312
3.2 A Separate Form A for each pillar. See (Appendix 3- Breakdown per Pillar of funded projects) .. 1413
4 Action 42 ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 1514
5 Governance .................................................................................................................................................................................. 1716
5.1 The membership of your NE-RDATF (name sector being represented and parent agency), the number of
meetings held, any changes in membership of the NE-RDATF and any sub-groups set up: .......................... 1716
5.1.1 Membership of NE-RDATF– position at the last NE-RDATF meeting in 2014 ............................. 1716
5.1.2 Number of Meeting’s held & details of changes in membership ........................................................ 1817
5.1.3 Sub-Groups set up ................................................................................................................................................. 1918
5.1.4 A set of audited accounts in relation to public funds expended directly by the NE-RDATF in 2014,
including a statement of funding from this Department and a statement of any other public funding directly
expended by the NE-RDATF. ................................................................................................................................................ 2019
5.1.5 A list of the staff of your NE-RDATF: ............................................................................................................. 2120
6 Appendices .................................................................................................................................................................................. 2221
6.1 Appendix 1 – Implementation Plan 2013 -2016 ................................................................................................ 2221
6.2 Appendix 2- Overview our funded services ......................................................................................................... 2322
6.3 Appendix 3- Breakdown per Pillar of funded projects .................................................................................... 2524
6.4 Appendix 4- DPU approval letter indicating full allocation for the region in 2014 ............................. 2827
6.5 Appendix 5- Summary of 2014’s funding allocation per project. ................................................................ 2928
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1 An overview of the drugs problem in your area
1.1 Detailed Profiles:
1.1.1 Drug usage in the North East Region
The table below was based on figures produced by the HRB based on the National Drug Treatment
Reporting System for 2013. (Nothing available at the time of reporting for 2014)
2013 2013 2013
County No. % Gender No. % Age No. %
Cavan 162 17 Male 671 72 19 & under 60 6
Louth 388 42 Female 254 27 20-29 283 31
Meath 288 31 Not known 4 1 30-39 325 35
Monaghan 91 10 40-49 148 16
50+ 113 12
unknown
Total 929 Total 929 Total 929
The substances for which treatment was sought were as follows:
Reason for Referral - Detail Total
Opiates 253
Ecstasy 2
Cocaine 25
Other stimulants 3
Benzodiazepines 43
Volatile inhalants
Cannabis 172
Alcohol 418
Others 13
Not known
Total 929
Of the 929 assessed cases, 856 received treatment while 73 didn’t for varying reasons including not
wanting the service, going onto a waiting list etc.
The members of the NE-RDATF are keen to ensure that the services we fund, as well as those in the
statutory sector, are meeting the needs of the clients, so that we can minimise the “revolving door”
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situation. The NE-RDATF and its funded projects have are progressing the use of the eCASS IT system
which we believe will give us real time, accurate information so as to allow us to adapt to the clients need
much more quickly and relevantly
1.1.2 Emerging trends in drug use the North East Region
While the NE-RDATF has placed great emphasis on ensuring that there is equitable access to services
across the four counties, it is clear that the majority of presentations come from counties Louth & Meath.
However, we are seeing growing numbers present in both Cavan and Monaghan to the service there with
Monaghan increasing its opening hours again in 2014.
The mix of services that have been supported through NE-RDATF funds reflect the need to address the
full range of substances of misuse. The services are set- up and perceived as being able to support clients
with a range of addiction issues; the anecdotal feedback from client groups bears this out.
Our continuing efforts to work with the regional network of family support groups is seen as crucial in
that many of the clients attending services continue to live with other family members and in large part
are initially referred to the services by a family member. While there has been fluctuation in the North
Eastern Regional Family Support Network the groups themselves continue and avail of supports funded
by the NE-RDATF by way of supervision, travel and training. Family members continue to receive
support from the funded addiction services with ringfenced portions of funding to the services for respite
care and family counselling.
There has been an emergence of a variety of substances that seem to be psychoactive, particularly in
Monaghan with smaller presentations in Cavan. The main substance, Clockwork Orange, is resulting in
major psychotic episodes with fatalities ensuing from self harm. This is being addressed through
working alongside the An Garda Síochána, local service providers, funded addiction services and with the
communities themselves. Cavan / Monaghan are also working closely with the Youthreaches throughout
those counties in addressing substance misuse within the Youthreach service. They are developing a
coping skills based programme to be co-facilitated between both the Youthreach and C/MDA services.
Huge amounts of Benzodiazepines are being consumed and misused in all counties along with the
emergence of high misuse of Lyrica.
1.2 The main issues identified by NE-RDATF addressed in 2014 arising from this pattern of drug
use.
The NE-RDATF continues to carefully and strategically ensure the following funded projects exist in the
region to deal with the issues identified from this pattern of drug abuse;
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Cavan / Monaghan Drug Awareness, Louth Community Drug & Alcohol Team, and Meath Community
Drug & Alcohol Response
All of the above teams are county-based, and work across the continuum of care in, small multi-
disciplinary teams
2-3 staff, sessional workers/counsellors, CE, TUS & student placements, volunteers
Cross pillar (P&E and T&R)
Rehabilitation focussed CE Schemes sponsored by C/MDA and LCDAT with another in process of
application in Meath
Turas Counselling Service
20 week structured day programme for stable or drug-free clients
Motivational work coupled with outreach into disadvantaged communities
Addiction counselling service
NDRIC pilot community alcohol detox mainstreamed through HSE
North Eastern Region Family Support Network
Volunteer-led peer support network
Local support groups in key towns across region
National, & cross NE-RDATF links
ISPCC Teen-Focus
Support service for young people experiencing psychological distress
Teen-Focus workers in both Meath & Louth
Links with key child & family service providers
Mentoring & volunteer programme
Other initiatives & issues:
o Action Against Addiction North East (AAANE) – we worked with AAANE to develop their
Mission Statement, Aims and Objectives with a view to working towards a strategic plan through
the year.
o Black & minority ethnic groups – continued links with Meath inter-cultural network and Acts of
Compassion project which addresses addiction issues with sub-Saharan African communities,
including those living in Mosney.
o BME agencies - we continue to be in contact with a couple of BME agencies, exploring how we can
best support the provision of substance use awareness information to their communities.
o Community Employment - The NE-RDATF continue to actively work with the Department of
Social Protection representative on the embedding of the special drug rehabilitation community
employment schemes. A second Special status CE Scheme commenced in the January 2014 hosted
by Cavan / Monaghan Drug Awareness. A third application for a scheme submitted in November
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2013 was retracted with another submitted during 2014. We received notification of approval in
December 2014. This further scheme will be based in Meath thus resulting in access to special CE
schemes across the region.
o Community detoxification initiative –NE-RDATF development worker ceased to act as regional
broker in line with the national process; however some meetings were conducted for those
clients wishing to avail of that service. The Rehabilitation CE Scheme that commenced in January
(ref to above) is detoxification focussed, working with clients to stabilise and to detox when ready
as do the Louth based DRP CE Scheme and is planned for the Meath Based scheme..
o Communities of Interest- Working with communities of interest is important to the NE-
RDATF.NE-RDATF has a Service User Representative that volunteers in this capacity and has
linked with service users through service reviews, client charter of rights for services and
research for the Meath CE Scheme. The SUR also links with the national SURF body which has met
with the Commissioners of Equality and Human Rights, has reviewed and evaluated the
Methadone Protocols and the HSE ‘Your Service You Say’ client charter.
o We also have a Traveller Community Representative and are exploring ways to link with regional
Traveller Agencies.
o Community representatives’ network – representatives drawn from county-based community
fora (currently two representatives per county); network also includes family support, Traveller
community & service user representatives; supports & training provided through NE-RDATF
development worker & Citywide.
o County-based Children’s Services Committees – participated on two county-bases CSC’s (Louth
& Meath) supporting other agencies to develop drug and alcohol related action plans for under
18’s. Work plans for both have been developed. A Sibling Programme has been trialled in Dundalk
for young people with substance abusing siblings. This proved successful and a further
programme in Dundalk is in the process of being delivered as well as explorations for a
programme in Drogheda. This programme is also being explored by the Meath CSC. These are
delivered through an established youth service in conjunction with the National Family Support
Network.
o County-based homeless action teams – county-based, inter-agency care management processes
involving local authority housing officials, social & health services, have been developed in both
Meath, Louth and Monaghan with Cavan in the process at the end of the year. These seem to work
quite differently, some welcome the community & voluntary agencies participation others are
exclusively statutory agencies. Work continues to have a cross sector representation at these
meetings.
o Drug-related intimidation - Three inspectors in our area (one in each division) have
responsibility for this service. Low numbers of actual reports are being received by the Gardaí
however, anecdotally this issue remains for family members.
o Dual diagnosis – long identified as a growing issue for frontline services, with calls for greater
links with the HSE mental health services; key issues around training, guidance around the
appropriateness of interventions, and referrals to day and residential treatment continue to be
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addressed with HSE management with some progress evident. Dual diagnosis model still requires
promotion and adherence.
o HSE addiction services - closer working relationships between NE-RDATF services & HSE
counterparts are progressing with joint delivery of programmes to service users in Meath and in
Louth; regional management & coordination meetings in place, and focus now on inter-agency
care planning; exploring opening up NATP training to NE-RDATF project staff
o Jigsaw Meath - active participants in county partnership process developing range of services for
young people at risk of experiencing poor mental health; focus on ensuring services available
through Jigsaw hub, second level schools and other youth service providers
o Methadone prescribing GPs – While there are still small numbers of prescribing GPs at both
level 1 & 2, work has been ongoing throughout the year with a significant increase in GP’s at Level
1. Ongoing negotiations with GPs to increase prescribers and competencies are occurring.
Frontline NE-RDATF services continue to offer supports or currently host Methadone clinics. The
need to ensure that there is better progression from level 2 clinics to level 1 family practices is a
clear focus for on-going work between the NE-RDATF and the HSE. There has been some good
progress on ensuring appropriate support structures & shared care processes are in place.
o NDRIC pilot Community Alcohol Detoxification – This interagency initiative between Turas
Counselling Service & Dundalk Simon Community has had positive reviews and was
mainstreamed within the HSE in 2014. The inter-agency steering group continues to meet
regularly consisting of members of Turas, Dundalk Simon, NE-RDATF, HSE and Dundalk Drug
Action Group
o Outreach-based needle & syringe project- This project was dis-continued from the start of
2014 with the understanding that the HSE addiction services would be in a position to offer this
service from the very early part of the year. Unfortunately, HSE policy reviews and staff trainings
and assessments have delayed the commencement of this service for the majority of the year
leaving the North East with only the pharmacy based NSP leaving some clients whose needs are
not met by this service in a vulnerable situation of having to travel outside the region to obtain
services.. The pharmacies continue to offer this service.
o Peer education training–Our long-running, successful school-based peer education training
programme continues, with demand out-stripping resources – while we are committed to part
fund Peer Education Training for the current academic year the NE-RDATF was not in a position
to fund all second level schools in the region.
o Prison links – the NE-RDATF are aware that there are difficulties in accessing methadone in
prisons, principally Castlerea Prison. It was also noted there is a greater need for more co-
ordination in providing effective prison links with regional addiction services. The Treatment &
Rehabilitation subcommittee has visited Loughan House strengthening the links between the
prison staff and project managers.
o QuADS Support Programme – working with Ana Liffey to support services exploring their own
quality standards framework; most NE-RDATF funded services are participating as well as other
key service providers; Our own NE-RDATF is also a participant in our own right. With the further
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governance requirements of both the HSE and the Charity Act a template was developed to aid
project boards and managers to align all the requirements and assess where they are with
compliance in one sheet. This was sent to all projects with the offer of support from the NE-
RDATF.
o RAPID-led local addictions networks & event – local cross-sectoral, inter-agency groups which
help to foster positive community engagement (Action 4, NE-RDATF lead agent); fosters good
inter-agency links and service collaborations; work plans based on local needs; assisting with
plans for regional policy event of key stakeholders on benefits of inter-agency work to address
social inclusion issues. With the withdrawal of funding for the RAPID work and staff in local
government this work has been reduced significantly. Meath and Cavan no longer continue this
piece of work while in Louth both the Drogheda and Dundalk RAPID coordinators have had their
remits widen to include many other pieces of work reducing the time commitment available
however, work has continued successfully in these areas.
o Regional Homelessness Forum – NE-RDATF continue to be active participants in the NE forum
covering Louth, Cavan & Monaghan; opportunity to ensure needs of addiction service clients are
addressed in the regional implementation plan; builds on positive working relationship with
homeless service providers across the region. We have yet to attend the RHF that includes Meath.
o Service monitoring process –quarterly service monitoring continues to take account of
outcomes reporting requirements, and to ensure projects can capture all aspects of their service
delivery beyond the principle KPIs; training provided regarding reporting requirements; official
visits regarding organisational & governance issues. To this end the NE-RDATF supported each
project delivering treatment interventions to avail of the Salesforce donations and obtain the
eCASS system through EncludeIT. Projects are currently working with the system getting used to
it and availing of training with Quality Matters in its use. They are also piloting a dual system of
paper and soft HRB NDTRS forms with a view to becoming paperless early in 2015.
o Service User Representative – on going meetings of the Service User Forum in Meath (MASUF)
with surveys being completed to inform the content of training and work in a Meath based
Rehabilitation CE Scheme. The Service User Rep worked with the HSE in reviewing the addiction
services in Dundalk through service user consultation meetings. Work was also completed with
the service users in Cavan/Monaghan Drugs Awareness in conjunction with the NE-RDATF
development worker that resulted in a client charter and amendments to information sharing
policies. The SU rep continues to attend the T & SC and the SURF at national level.
o Social inclusion links – continue to build strong links with wider social inclusion agencies;
RAPID programme coordinators (Louth) and Partnerships/County Development Companies have
rotating representatives at the NE-RDATF; links with County SIM groups
o Gardaí – three inspectors attend the TF meetings, mostly alternating so as to alleviate time
constraints
o Strengthening Families Programme – These programmes continue to run in Meath and Louth.
o Supply control –The NE-RDATF is not providing equal focus on these strategic actions, due to the
confidentiality of operational details and inconsistent attendance of the Gardaí.
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o NE-RDATF membership – while taking on board the proposed membership structures outlined
in the Drug NE-RDATF handbook, the NE-RDATF has sought to ensure that the key stakeholders
from all sectors, particularly those with a role regarding the implementation of the strategy; there
is a view that it is crucial that all relevant Government departments continue to engage with NE-
RDATFs
o Training for services & community – the NE-RDATF supports continuing professional
development for funded projects & other key services, sourcing free or low-costs training and
providing administrative supports for these; links with the HSE and the NATP have been crucial in
this regard; trainings & presentations for the community are also supported, often in tandem with
local service providers.
o Voluntary cluster – This group foundered mid year. It was agreed those still participating would
link in with another regional / local cluster group until such time as the group could be re-
constituted. NE-RDATF identified and contacted several agencies in the homeless, youth,
residential treatment service and invited them to represent that sector and work with the NE-
RDATF to reform a cluster in the region.
o Young Peoples’ Facilities & Services Fund – not available for 2014
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2 Progress made in 2014 in implementing your local drugs strategy under each of
the five pillars of the National Drugs Strategy
2014 saw the beginning of the new restructured working of the subcommittees, groups and the TF itself.
Under the Implementation Plan the sub committees worked on fulfilling their work plans effectively,
accomplishing many of their targets.
Each subcommittee and group then reported to the Task Force meetings, giving updates on progress and
issues both found and resolved.
2.1 Supply Reduction
We continued to promote the Gardaí Confidential Line and Customs Coast-watch the phone lines
throughout the region in the hope that this would continue to provide intelligence to assist state
agencies working under this pillar.
We continue to communicate with statutory representatives (Gardaí, HSE, Local Authorities etc)
regarding local priorities under the pillar and partnership arrangements and communication. We
will continue to work with contacts from the three Gardaí divisions in the region to ensure there is
good communication to and from the NE-RDATF.
We have linked local service providers with community networks to help them address their own
needs, i.e. educate parents, develop local safety strategies, youth focused initiatives.
We continue to work with local community and public representatives to ensure that the issues
around drugs / alcohol misuse is addressed at joint policing committees across the region.
We continue to build relationships through face to face meetings and presentations to various
multi agency committee raising the profile of the NE--RDTF and the local services
2.2 Prevention
We continue to develop the school based peer education training programme, with links to the
SPHE programme, involving most post-primary schools throughout the region.
The Subcommittee developed a Signposts leaflet and distributed same through the schools. This
leaflet provides practical and basic information on signs and symptoms, services and advice on
substance use issues.
We continue to encourage Youthreach and other targeted programmes working with “youth at
risk” to link with the NE-RDATF through the various networks and offer access to our various
training programmes. We continue to encourage the wider availability and uptake of parental
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substance use education programmes, and support voluntary agencies to provide workers to train
as programme facilitators.
We funded the following training which was offered to and participated in by HSE Addiction
Services, NE-RDATF funded services, Homeless Services, counselling services, youth services and
Residential Services from across the region:
Family Focus Programme
QuADS
NE-RDATF provided administration and coordination to the HSE and NATP
Word
Excel
Facilitation Skills
Minute Taking
NE-RDATF staff participated in the following training:
Service User Involvement for services
eCASS
Logic Model
QuADS Champion Training
2.3 Treatment
We continue to provide support to NE- RDTF funded projects and other addiction services within
the region addressing issues relating to the misuse of Heroin, Cannabis, Cocaine and other
substances
In order that these agencies continue to provide a quality service we continue to facilitate them to
participate in the QuADS training with ALDP
We continue to progress towards the stage when each county town in the region has a uniformity
of access to an appropriate level of treatment & aftercare, methadone stabilization, health
screening etc so that local problems can be addressed locally.
We continued to work closely with the HSE to ensure that the north east region has access to an
appropriate level of resources, including access to detoxification places, Methadone stabilization,
needle exchange and under eighteens services.
We continue to support the successful and recently main streamed NDRIC pilot inter-agency
community based alcohol detoxification programme run through Dundalk Simon Community and
Turas Counselling Service community.
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2.4 Rehabilitation
We continue to work with the Family Support Network
We continue to work with local partners to bridge the gaps in service provision identified in
previous years and on an ongoing basis.
The development of inter-agency protocols with statutory agencies has ensured that there are
real partnerships between rehabilitation services who are working towards common goals. There
are established progression routes for clients of NE-RDATF funded services, from low-threshold
community drug & alcohol teams through to rehabilitative day programmes.
We continue to support our Service User Representative that works alongside the project workers
and managers of services to develop and support Service User involvement in services leading to
Service User Groups within each project that feed into the NE-RDATF through the Service User
Representative. The Development Worker supports the SU representative in this work. UISCE
support the representative in attending the national service user Fora SURF thereby giving a
structure of communication from local through regional onto national and back down.
We have worked closely with the regional DSP Community Services manager to progress the use
of Special CE Drug Rehabilitation Places, acquiring approval for a third Special CE Scheme based in
Meath. The Louth Scheme has increased in placements with the Cavan one having been allocated
an assistant supervisor.
2.5 Research
We continue to encourage all funded projects to complete and return NDTRS forms where
appropriate including the organisation of training by the HRB (as above)
Formatted: Heading 1, Left, Line
spacing: single, No bullets or
numbering
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3 Profile of NE-RDATF funded Projects
3.1 An analysis of the impact of NE-RDATF projects, as a group, in addressing the drugs problem
in your area and their continued relevance to your local drugs strategy.
We are confident that the current projects funded through the NE- RDATF continue to meet the needs of
the region and are providing good value for money. Following re-structuring in recent years the
remaining projects fulfil a number of strategic aims spread across different pillars of the national
strategy. Enclosed is a brief overview of each project, based on information we provide to local
information points, TDs etc (Appendix 2- Overview our funded servicesAppendix 2- Over view our Formatted: Font: Cambria, Bold
funded services) or a list of all our funded services is provided on our website for the public to view Formatted: Font: Cambria
http://www.nedrugtaskforce.ie/index.php/projects-2.
We appreciate that the staff of these services are stretched, working as they do in very small multi-
disciplinary teams. There are increasing demands on services due to the times that we live in, the
evolving nature of substance misuse and the trust built with the client group We continue to provide
assistance to support projects with advice and guidance, centralised training programmes and provide
practical tips for both management and steering groups to incorporate good practice models, save on
overheads and ease some of the administrative burdens for example the commencement of the QuADS
process in all projects including our selves.
We have put great emphasis on ensuring outcome reporting is highlighted and prioritised in all our
projects.
The NE--RDATF developed an Implementation Plan for the NDS 2009-2016 and includes alcohol in the
hope that when the National Substance Misuse Strategy is developed it will be relevant to the actions
contained within that.
The NE-RDATF has always placed great emphasis on ensuring that the projects in receipt of continued
interim funding are sustainable and able to continue to meet the demands placed on them. This year
continued with the quarterly monitoring system which better reflects the work that projects are engaged
in throughout the year across the pillars. This system also tracks the number of referrals, numbers
worked with, and the progression of clients which we felt was vital information. This also records the
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interagency working relationships between the TF funded projects and other services in the region. It
will continue to flag potential problems at an early stage to ensure that we can agree a course of action.
3.2 A Separate Form A for each pillar. See (Appendix 3- Breakdown per Pillar of funded
projects)
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4 Action 42
As previously mentioned the NE-RDATF recruited a volunteer ex-service user as a Service User
Representative to work with the Development Worker, Projects and Service Users to develop Service
User Groups within each organisation with a nominated representative of each to meet as a regional
Forum and liaise with the Service User Representative in bringing issues to both the Treatment &
Rehabilitation subcommittee and the NE-RDATF. Through his other role as volunteer project worker /
advocate in Cavan Drugs Awareness and through visits to the other projects and meeting clients he has
made himself known to service user in the region. NE-RDATF has ensured the rep has a phone, access to
a cloud based email address and computer. We also had business cards with contact details for
distribution.
Work completed by the Service User representative includes the following:
Meetings with clients of each service
Meetings with the Louth Service User Group
Meetings with MASUF (Meath Addiction Service User Forum)
Conducting client surveys for the NSP Service
Attending NE-RDATF meetings
Attending Treatment & Rehabilitation meetings
Attending and chairing Service User Representative Forum meetings
Meetings with managers and staff regarding Service User Involvement
Facilitating Service User input into a HSE review of Dundalk Addiciton Services and reporting to
the review panel
Working with Cavan / Monaghan Drugs Awareness and its service users to develop a client
charter of rights
Meetings with the Commissioner of Equality
Meetings with the Commissioner of Human Rights
Presentations to Fetac level 5 courses
NE-RDATF also assisted in the Service User Representative accessing training and during 2014 he has
completed the following courses:
Intimidation Training
CASC Training (Fetac level 5)
Hepatitis Training
Harm Reduction Training
Community Reinforcement Approach Training
Naloxone training for trainers
Service User Involvement for Services training
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The strategy of the NE-RDATF in developing Service User Fora is to work parallel with service users and
service providers, building relationships and capacity at both levels to ensure meaningful engagement.
Two groups were worked with and provided training on Communication and Committee Skills. While
MASUF are still meeting and have developed their Terms of Reference and a mission statement they
continue to work to increase their membership and access further training it is unfortunate that the
Louth group based in the Louth Community Drug & Alcohol Team terminated. Plans for 2015 are to
further the relationships with service users and develop clear participation levels with service providers,
develop service user groups in each service and proceed from there from the guidance of the service user
groups.
This service user representative expenses for travel, phone etc is resourced through the NE-RDATF
operational budget and is therefore very limited. There are no resources available for service user group
training, travel and childcare; for room hire, IT support etc. This deficit requires urgent attention if
service user groups are to be sustained and structured to achieve the best representation from the
cohort.
SURF is also a non resourced group. Our representative is the current chairperson of the group and
reports frutstrationfrustration at the lack of training, facilitation and attendance as not all
representatives are funded to attend. If this action is to be fulfilled serious resources need to applied to
ensure local, regional and national participation, training and outcomes, otherwise it is tokenistic at best.
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NORTH EASTERN REGIONAL DRUGS NE-RDATF (NE- RDATF) - April 201452014
ANNUAL REPORT OF NE-RDATF TO THE DRUGS PROGRAMME UNIT
5 Governance
5.1 The membership of your NE-RDATF (name sector being represented and parent agency),
the number of meetings held, any changes in membership of the NE-RDATF and any sub-
groups set up:
5.1.1 Membership of NE-RDATF– position at the last NE-RDATF meeting in 2014
Name Representing Agency
Jim Mullery Chairperson Independent Chair
Joe McGuinness Community & Enterprise Louth Co. Co. (Border Region)
Padraig McBreen Partnership Representative Monaghan Partnership/Leader*
Gerry Fitzpatrick Community Representative (Cavan) Cavan Community Forum
Jet Calders Community Representative (Cavan) Cavan Community Forum
Vacant Community Representative (Louth) Louth Community Forum
Brian Doyle Community Representative (Louth) Louth Community Forum
Vacant Community Representative (Meath) Meath Community Forum
Joe Walshe Community Representative (Meath) Meath Community Forum
VacanctVacant Community Representative (Monaghan) Monaghan Community Forum
Tom Freeman Community Representative (Monaghan) Monaghan Community Forum
Orla Rowland Customs Representative Customs & Excise
Gavin Kirwan Customs Representative Customs & Excise
Eileen Lonergan Family Support Representative NE Family Support Network
Julie Cronin FAS Representative FAS / Dept Social Protection
Insp. Gordon Englishby Garda Representative GardaiGardaí
Insp. Martin Smethers Garda Representative GardaiGardaí
Insp. Paul Kiernan Garda Representative GardaiGardaí
Una Forde HSE Representative HSE Addiction Service Manager
Siobhan McEntee IVEA Representative IVEA/Cavan VEC
Andy Ogle NE-RDATF Coordinator NE-RNE-RDATF
Lisa Gavillet NE-RDATF Development Worker NE-RNE-RDATF
David Griffin NE-RDATF Office Administrator NE-RNE-RDATF
Carmel Donnelly Probation Service Representative Probation Regional Manager
Mark Dearey Public Representative (Louth) Louth County Council
Shane O’Reilly Public Representative (Cavan) Cavan County Council
Maria O’Kane Public Representative (Meath) Meath County Council
Gillian Toole Public Representative (Meath) Meath County Council
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NORTH EASTERN REGIONAL DRUGS NE-RDATF (NE- RDATF) - April 201452014
ANNUAL REPORT OF NE-RDATF TO THE DRUGS PROGRAMME UNIT
Paudge Connolly Public Representative (Mon) Monaghan County Council
Paula Gribben RAPID Programme Rep RAPID (Louth)***
Nuala Woods Regional Authority Rep Regional Authority / Cavan Co Co
Michael McDonagh Traveller Community Rep Regional Traveller Community
Kevin Moran Voluntary Representative NE Voluntary Cluster Group
Michele Ryan Voluntary Representative NE Voluntary Cluster Group
Lee O’Neill Voluntary Representative NE Voluntary Cluster Group
Derek McDonnell Service User Representative Volunteer
*There are four Partnerships/Leaders areas in the Region, the coordinator rotate attendance on the
NE- RDTF, the other representatives are:
Gabriel O’Connell Partnership / Leader (Monaghan)
Brendan Reilly Partnership / Leader (Cavan)
John Butler Partnership / Leader (Louth)
** There are two RAPID areas in the Region, the coordinators rotating attendance on the NE-RDATF;
the other representatives are:
Valerie Atherton RAPID Programme Rep (Drogheda) RAPID
5.1.2 Number of Meeting’s held & details of changes in membership
Four NE-RDATF meetings took place in 2014;
18.2.2014, 14.5.2014, 26.8.2014, 12.12.2014
On average 21 people attended the meetings at any one time throughout the year, out of possible 39-
40 members (53% attendance on average).
The following members resigned from the NE-RDATF Board in 2014
1. Joan Martin (Community & Enterprise)
2. Nora Donaghy (Voluntary)
3. Mary Winchester (Voluntary)
4. Fiona Maloney (IVEA)
5. Conor Treanor (Customs & Excise)
6. Catherine Rafferty (Customs & Excise)
7. Margaret Cranney (DSP)
8. Danny Brady (Public Rep Cavan)
9. Oliver Tully (Public Rep Louth)
10. Matt Carthy (Public Rep Monaghan)
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NORTH EASTERN REGIONAL DRUGS NE-RDATF (NE- RDATF) - April 201452014
ANNUAL REPORT OF NE-RDATF TO THE DRUGS PROGRAMME UNIT
11. Maria Murphy (Public Rep Meath)
12. John Taaffe (P & E Chair)
13. Ins. John Gordon
14. Tommy O’Connor (CALW)
15. Eamon Treanor (Voluntary) RIP
The following new members joined (and in some cases replaced the above members) on the NE-
RDATF Board during 2014
1. Joe McGuinness (Community & Enterprise)
2. Lee O’Neill (Voluntary)
3. Kevin Moran (Voluntary)
4. Siobhan McEntee (IVEA)
5. Gavin Kirwan (Customs & Excise)
6. Orla Rowland (Customs & Excise)
7. Julie Cronin (DSP)
8. Shane O’Reilly (Public Rep Cavan)
9. Mark Dearey (Public Rep Louth)
10. Paudge Connolly (Public Rep Monaghan)
11. Gillian Toole (Public Rep Meath)
12. Cathy Whelan (P & E Chair)
13. Ins. Martin Smethers
14. Michele Ryan (Voluntary)
15. Maria O’Kane (Public Rep Meath)
5.1.3 Sub-Groups set up
The Projects & Finance Sub Group is only attended by members of the NE-RDATF as listed above with a
mix of Community, Voluntary & Statutory members.
Both the Treatment & Rehabilitation and Prevention & Education working groups are incorporating NE-
RDATF members, key service providers and other stakeholders. In terms of service providers other than
those in receipt of NE-RDATF funding it was agreed that we should focus on including those services in
receipt of some form of statutory funding or who have an SLA with the HSE or other NE-RDATF partner.
Projects & Finance sub-group membership
Chaired by Pat Carey
Jim Mullery – vice chair
NE-RDATF– Andy Ogle
Community representatives –Tom Freeman, Joe Walshe
Voluntary Representatives – Kevin Moran and Lee O’Neill in place of Eamon Traynor &
Mary Winchester
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NORTH EASTERN REGIONAL DRUGS NE-RDATF (NE- RDATF) - April 201452014
ANNUAL REPORT OF NE-RDATF TO THE DRUGS PROGRAMME UNIT
Statutory Representatives – Joan Martin changing to Joe McGuinness
Channel of Funding Representative –Una Forde
In 2014, there were 7 Projects & Finance Sub-group meetings (On average 7 people
attended out of 10 members (74% attendance rate).
Prevention & Education Subcommittee membership
Chaired by John Taaffe (Pastoral Response to Substance Misuse formerly Irish Bishops
Drugs Initiative),
NE-RDATF members –Cathy Whelan (MCDAR), Fiona MaloneyMaureen McIntyre (IVEA
Rep), Eamon Treanor (Voluntary Cluster Rep), Tom Freeman (Community Rep)
Other P&E service representatives – Catherine McTiernan (ISPCC Teen Focus), Sandra
Okome (HSE Health Promotion), Sean McKiernan (Mental Health Ireland), Sean Corcoran
(Youthreach), Patricia Boyle (CAWT Alcohol Intervention Worker), Bernadine Quinn
(LGBT Representative)
Other key stakeholders – Samantha Teather & Lee O’Neill (Positive Youth Education
Programmes).
In 2014 there were five subcommittee meetings held throughout the year. On average 11 7
people attended the P & E meetings in 20134 out of 174 members (677% average
attendance rate).
Treatment & Rehabilitation working groupSub committee membership
Chaired by Carmel Donnelly (Probation Services)
NE-RDATF members – Andy Ogle – NE-RDATF), Mary Winchester (CDA), Nuala Woods
(Local Authorities), Louise Mahony (LCDAT), Una Forde –( HSE), Margaret Cranney (Dept
of Social Protection), & Derek McDonnell (Service User Representative).
Other T&R service representatives – Lorna Weldon (MCDAR), Marian Sloan (Turas
Counselling Service), Patricia Nannery (Tabor House) JM Burr (Ana Liffey Drug Project),
Other key stakeholders – Niall Mulligan (Dundalk Simon Community)
In 20143, there were six quarterlyfive sub group committee meetings held in 2013. On
average 101 people attend out of a possible 16 members (636% average attendance rate)
5.1.4 A set of audited accounts in relation to public funds expended directly by the NE-RDATF in
2014, including a statement of funding from this Department and a statement of any other
public funding directly expended by the NE-RDATF.
We await the certified 2014 audited accounts from Meath Partnership.
Confirmation of Allocation from DPU (Appendix 4- DPU approval letter indicating full allocation for the Formatted: Font: Cambria
region in 201Appendix 4- DPU approval letter indicating full allocation for the region in 2013)
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NORTH EASTERN REGIONAL DRUGS NE-RDATF (NE- RDATF) - April 201452014
ANNUAL REPORT OF NE-RDATF TO THE DRUGS PROGRAMME UNIT
Funding allocations for 2013 for projects (Appendix 5- Summary of 2014’s funding allocation per Formatted: Font: Cambria
project.Appendix 5- Summary of 2013’s funding allocation per project.)
5.1.5 A list of the staff of your NE-RDATF:
Job Title: Administrator
Providing office administration including:
typing
filing
Reception
Events management
Financial administration & reporting
Functions: Reporting to Coordinator
Salary Scale & Agency: HSE Clerical Officer Grade IV Point 5
Salary: €37,106
Source of Funding: NE-2 Operational Budget
Employing Authority: Meath Partnership
Job Title:: Development Worker
Assisting projects
Supporting community & voluntary representatives
Networking with other agencies
Development of Policies, Procedures & Protocols
Community Detox Broker
Functions: Reporting to Coordinator
Host : Meath Partnership
Salary Scale & Agency: Pobal LDSIP Development Workers Point 12
Salary: €51,980
Source of Funding: NE-2 Operational Budget
Employing Authority: Meath Partnership
Correct as at 31.12.2014
21
NORTH EASTERN REGIONAL DRUGS NE-RDATF (NE- RDATF) - April 201452014
ANNUAL REPORT OF NE-RDATF TO THE DRUGS PROGRAMME UNIT
6 Appendices
6.1 Appendix 1 – Implementation Plan 2013 -2016
Implementation Plan for the National Substance Misuse Strategy in the North Eastern Region
2013-2016.
See separate document
22
NORTH EASTERN REGIONAL DRUGS NE-RDATF (NE- RDATF) - April 201456.2 Appendix 2- Overview our funded services
Name & Contact Details Area Description Activities / interventions
Covered
Cavan / Monaghan Drug Awareness Cavan & Increase the availability of parental adult drugs education through the Drugs Awareness Training to
Tim Murphy – Manager Monaghan Parent-to-Parent programme and other presentations and family support; professionals, Care planning, key
1 Railway Road, Cavan Provide treatment for clients affected by substance misuse through working, interagency case management,
Tel: 049 437 9160 supporting and hosting the Methadone Clinic for the prescribing GP; counselling, multi disciplinary
Tel: O42 9666983 Provide young people with ready access to information on substance methadone facilitation, advocacy,
The Grange, Monaghan town misuse related issues both in the centre and outreach; Act as a referral CRAFT, Group work, Aftercare, Needle
Tel: 047 75804 agency for clients wishing to re-enter education or vocational training. Syringe Programme, interagency
Provide counselling for clients and their families. Operate a day programme networking, Community
Email: info@cdatrust.ie in Horticulture with FAS, work with prisoners through ExPac. Host a Detox(methadone / Benzodiazepines)
Website: www.cdatrust.ie Needle & Syringe Programme through the Ana Liffey Project in Cavan one
day per week and one half day in Monaghan per week.
Louth Drug & Alcohol Team Louth Provide drop-in, information and referral centre for current drug users Drugs Awareness Training to teachers,
Louise Mahony – Manager including a social care and drug education / harm reduction programme; medical staff, families, community
1 Leyland Place, Drogheda, Co. Provide a structured day programme for drug users in recovery, including groups, Care planning, key working,
Louth counselling and social & vocational activities; Develop peer education interagency case management,
aftercare programmes (NA/AA); Facilitate family support group. counselling, advocacy, CRAFT, Group
Tel: 0419804957
Host a Needle & Syringe Programme through the Ana Liffey Project in work, Drop in, Aftercare, Needle Syringe
Email: louise@lcdat.ie Drogheda one day per week. Programme, interagency networking,
Website: www.lcdat.ie Community Detox (methadone /
Benzodiazepines) , Family support
group
ISPCC Teen-Focus Louth / Provide mentoring/counselling service to young people at risk (13-18 Individual counselling provided through
Tracey Monson – Manager Meath years) face-to-face, telephone, text or web-
Workspace Centre, Mayoralty based initiatives; Group work; Outreach.
Street, Drogheda, Co. Louth
Tel: O41 9833406
Email: tmonson@ispcc.ie
Website www.ispcc.ie
Turas Counselling Service Regional Provision of addiction counselling which is additional / complementary to theMotivational programmes, aftercare
Nora Donaghy / Marian Sloan - above programme; Provide an intensive period of one-to-one motivational work programmes,
for key working, advocacy,
Managers counselling,
clients not yet ready for the 20-week Aftercare Programme; Provide an intensive care planning, interagency
period of one-to-one counselling for those not interested in the Aftercare case management, community alcohol
59 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co.
Louth Programme but who want counselling to deal with their substance misuse. detox, community detox (methadone /
Provide a 20 - week therapeutic day care programme for recovering drug users Benzodiazepines), outreach
Tel: 042 9338221
(and alcohol if under 18 years).
Email: info@turascounsellingservice.ie
Website: turascounselling.ie2014
ANNUAL REPORT OF NE-RDATF TO THE DRUGS PROGRAMME UNIT
Meath Community Drug & Alcohol Meath Drugs Awareness Training to
Increase the availability and uptake of parental/adult drugs education programmes;
Response professionals, families and communities.
Provide increased access to drugs-related information at community level; Provide
Cathy Whelan - Manager Parental and Family programmes, Care
counselling, including post-primary pupils affected by substance misuse identified
planning, key working, interagency case
through the existing 'Open Space' project. Co-ordinates the delivery of Parent to
Unit 1, Haggard Mews, Trim
Co. Meath Parent programmes in the four counties; Provide a structured day programmemanagement,
for counselling, advocacy,
drug users in recovery, including counselling and social & vocational activities;drop in, Group work, Aftercare, Needle
Tel: O46 943 7245 Syringe Programme, interagency
Develop peer education aftercare programmes (NA/AA); Facilitate family support
Email: mcdar@eircom.net group. Host a Needle & Syringe Programme through the Ana Liffey Project in Meathnetworking, Community
Website: one day per week. Detox(methadone / Benzodiazepines),
www.meathcommunities.ie/group/mcd family support group
ar
Family Support Network Meath The North East Region Family Support Network is a network of organisations,Families & Communities affected by
groups and individuals operating within the North East Region and North Eastdrugs/alcohol can come together to talk
c/o Renewed Living
Regional Drugs Task Force areas. We provide services to families while at the about
same how they have been affected. A
32 Main Street, Carrickmacross, Co. family support group is a safe,
time respecting the lived experiences of families affected by drugs
Monaghan
in a welcoming non-judgmental atmosphere. We as a Network are developing confidential,
an and non-judgmental place
Tel: 0872697434 for family members of drug/alcohol
open, friendly, accessible and non-judgmental family support service so that no
Email: info@nerfsn.com family has to live with the isolation that drug use can bring users to come together and discuss
Website: www.fsn.ie common issues in relation to dealing
with drug/alcohol use within their
family.
HSE Addiction Services & other useful contacts: Further service details can be found on www.drugs.ie The HSE Drugs helpline is available between 1000 &
1700 each day on 1800 459 459
HSE Dublin / North East Addiction Services in Cavan / Monaghan
Alcohol, Drugs & Gambling – call 047 72100 for details of outreach clinics in your locality
HSE Dublin / North East Addiction Services in Meath / Louth
Meath Drug Outreach & Addiction Counselling Service, Railway Street, Navan, Meath T: 046 90 76400
North Louth Drug Outreach & Addiction Counselling Service, Market Street, Dundalk, Louth T: 042 93 27503
South Louth Drug Outreach & Addiction Counselling Service, The Mell, Drogheda, Louth T: 041 98 70160
Louth Alcohol Addiction Services, Drogheda – 041 98 42368; Dundalk – 042 93 26156
Meath Alcohol Addiction Services, Kells – 046 92 49038; Navan – 046 90 71648
24
NORTH EASTERN REGIONAL DRUGS NE-RDATF (NE- RDATF) - April 201456.3 Appendix 3- Breakdown per Pillar of funded projects
Breakdown per pillar of the National Drugs Strategy actions undertaken by NE-RDATF projects in addressing the drugs
problem in the North East region.
DRUGS TASK FORCE: North Eastern Regional Drugs Task Force
Pillar * : Prevention & Education (P & E)
Relevant NDS Actions: 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31
Develop School & Community Initiatives
Provide education & awareness to drug users, young people, professionals & families
Deliver trainings & programmes in line with DEWF standards in the region
Liaise with agencies such as schools, youth organisations/ groups, probation services, educational centres including
DTF objective:
VEC, DSP etc.
Provide information on all training courses available in the North East & nationwide where available
Provide mentoring support to young people (under 18 & over 18) & parents
Provide Therapeutic Interventions with vulnerable young people.
Parent to Parent Courses delivered
Junior Cert Packs circulated on – Education awareness and effects of substance misuse
Harm Reduction materials / information distributed
Delivery of Drug Intervention Programmes to individuals linked with probation services
Clients obtaining FETAC level 3 qualifications in Horticulture
Peer education delivered to 4 cluster schools in the North East
Outcomes: Delivery of Strengthening Families Programme in two counties
Identifying & assisting with education & employment options for clients in recovery
Providing one to one support, face to face, web & telephone support
Implementation of Youth Diversionary Programmes to support young people & parents participating in the
mentoring programme
Offering support/counselling to young people in their own homes on an outreach basis
Ensuring vulnerable young clients are linked to 24 hour support
Category ** Project Code Project Name
P&E NE 4 Meath Community Drug & Alcohol Response (Actions 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29 & 30)2014
ANNUAL REPORT OF NE-RDATF TO THE DRUGS PROGRAMME UNIT
P&E NE 7 Cavan/Monaghan Drug Awareness (Actions 19, 26 & 28)
P&E Operational Budget-Peer Education Tender awarded to PYE Programmes in 2013 (Actions 19 &
NE 2
30)
P&E NE 2 Operational Budget (Action 29)
P&E NE 13 Teen Focus ISPCC Meath(Actions 24, 25,29, 31)
P&E NE 14 Teen Focus ISPCC Louth (Actions 24, 25,29, 31)
P&E NE 1 Family Support Network (Action 29)
Project changes/ terminations in 2014 n/a
Category ** Project Code Project Name & Reason
DRUGS TASK FORCE: North Eastern Regional Drugs Task Force
Pillar * : Treatment & Rehabilitation (T & R)
Relevant NDS Actions 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 41, 44, 45
Counselling Service, One to one support, Training,
Work with people & families whose lives are affected by addiction
Relapse Prevention, re-education, activities, harm reduction- key working
Drug Screening for individuals in recovery
Ensuring networking is occurring with the Statutory, Voluntary & Community sector
DTF objective: Provision of Needle Syringe Programme throughout the region through interagency cooperation
Assist in the development of inter-agency working to enhance the provision of services to individuals
Delivery of aftercare programmes for clients & networking groups for clients who successfully completed A.P.
Develop individual care plans for clients
To update governance protocols to enhance staff training
Provide drug outreach & key working to clients of NE projects
Delivery of 10 wk programme for re-education & progression options
Outcomes : Two 20-week structured day programmes delivered
Family Support groups offered to families in the four counties
26
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