Launch of Rossinver Youth Project’s addiction support services into South Leitrim

Deputy Frank Feighan launched the expansion of addiction support services by Rossinver Youth Project (RYCP) into South Leitrim. MC on the day was Mary McKiernan. The very well attended launch was held in the Island Theatre in Ballinamore.

In attendance was the team from Rossinver; Damien Daly Assertive Outreach Worker, Colin Walshe Drug and Alcohol Family Support Worker and the Rehabilitation Community Employment team.

Mary McKiernan Vice chair of the North West Regional Drug Task Force Board (NWRDATF) and Community Representative on the NWRDATF for South Leitrim opened the launch by welcoming everybody to the event.

Mary spoke passionately about Ballinamore and South Leitrim and hard work that had been put into gaining funding to expand these much-needed services.

Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council Cllr Ita Reynolds Flynn spoke about the culture of alcohol in rural areas and how the days of addiction are no longer only in large towns and cities. She welcomed these services into the local areas.

Frank Feighan TD was serving as Minister of State for Public Health, Well Being and National Drugs Strategy when he visited Rossinver in 2020.

L-R Eddie Gilmartin, Support Worker RYCP, Deputy Frank Feighan, Colin Walshe, FSW, Tracy Mitchell, NWRDATF, Damien Daly, AOW, Majella Green, CE RYCP, Michelle Patterson, Support Worker RYCP, Sam Smith, Centre Manager RYCP

There he met with the Team in Rossinver who discussed the need for increased funding and expansion of services to meet the need in the community.

He was delighted to see the funding in place and the services already up and running.

He said in his time as Minister for State he had seen how dedicated the staff on the ground were to assisting their clients and families and it was not a job to the employees but a vocation and he commended all in the sector.

Philip Rooney Chairperson of RYCP and Community Representative on the NWRDATF for North Leitrim spoke about how groups grow with hard work.

Rossinver Youth Project started with a field and a portacabin and with sheer hard work and dedication there are now 55 Community Employment participants and 9 paid employees in the company.

Eighteen of the 55 participants are referred participants for the Drug Task Force Strand of Community Employment that has been operational in South Leitrim for 7 years.

The community Centre was built with the Assistance of Leitrim Development Company and Leader funding.

L-R Joan O Kane NWRDATF Coordinator, Philip Rooney Chairperson RYCP, Cllr Rosaleen O Grady Chairperson NWRDATF, Mary McKiernan Vice Chairperson NWRDATF, Cathaoirleach Cllr Ita Reynolds Flynn, Deputy Frank Feighan

The ongoing funding from DSP, POBAL, HSE and Drug Task Force are essential to keep the much-needed services going. He thanked all those who have supported them along the way and looked forward new ventures in South Leitrim.

Damien Daly, Assertive Outreach Worker (RYCP) presented how outreach works and the help given to clients who are misusing alcohol or substances.

A testimonial from Jimmy Smith, Addiction Councillor HSE during the presentation supported the services from Rossinver saying that he is already working closely with the group and the services work well together.

Colin Walshe, Drug and Alcohol Family Support Service spoke of the supports available to families and significant others and how families can often be forgotten. He discussed the different stages of the 5 step program and its benefits.

Cllr Rosaleen O Grady Chairperson of the NWRDATF finished the day with support of the services expanding into South Leitrim and how this has taken some time but fantastic to be there to launch the services.

Mary McKiernan closed the launch and thanked so many people for taking the time to be there on the day.

If you wish to speak to someone regarding support for alcohol or substance misuse or about a family member or friend, please call 071 9832962.

Damien Daly Assertive Outreach Worker: 087 7010520

Colin Walshe Drug and Alcohol Family Support Worker: 087 7148004