HSE Social Inclusion hosts Regional Conference in Donegal Town

Donna McGee, HSE; Dr Katriona O'Sullivan, Cora McAleer, Emma Murphy, Donna McGee, HSE; Dr Marie Hainsworth, Donegal Domestic Violence Service; and Ann Timoney Meehan, organiser. Photos: NW Newspix

placeholder image — Donna McGee, HSE; Dr Katriona O'Sullivan, Cora McAleer, Emma Murphy, Donna McGee, HSE; Dr Marie Hainsworth, Donegal Domestic Violence Service; and Ann Timoney Meehan, organiser. Photos: NW Newspix

The conference was designed in collaboration with key partners and working groups including HSE, Donegal CYPSC, An Garda Siochana, Donegal Domestic Violence Service and North West Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force

Over 250 delegates attended a HSE Social Inclusion Community Healthcare Cavan Donegal Leitrim Monaghan Sligo (CH CDLMS) Regional Conference in The Abbey Hotel in Donegal Town.

The theme of this conference was: “Women & Addiction”- Exploring the underlying factors, and considering the children impacted – how can we support and safeguard?

Guest speakers included: Dr. Katriona O Sullivan – Best Selling Author of her debut autobiography “Poor” and a recent guest on the Late Late Show. Dr O Sullivan gave an insight on how she was able to survive and succeed in life by being believed and given the right opportunities and supports.

Emma Murphy - Domestic Violence Survivor and Campaigner, spoke of the risks to women who try to leave Domestic Violence situations, and the impact on the woman and children.

Detective Sergeant Laura Sweeney - National Protective Services – An Garda Siochana gave an overview of their services and the challenges, including some recent cases.

Assistant Director Of Nursing Cora Mc Aleer gave a synopsis of Addiction Services Support and how to access these supports.

Dr. Marie Hainsworth Manager of Donegal Domestic Violence Service discussed “Domestic Abuse and Alcohol”, and how as a collective we have a responsibility to engage with these vulnerable groups in a cohesive and collaborative manner.

Patricia Garland, Social Inclusion Manger, CH CDLMS said: “Women with addiction face unique challenges in the areas of stigma, trauma, co-occurring disorders, gender inequalities and motherhood. As such, Community Health Care Social Inclusion Department were proud to host this inter-sectoral gathering to make a positive difference in the journey of women with addiction.”

Detective Inspector Siobhan Mollahan said: “Several members of An Garda Síochána attended this excellent event on Women and Addiction hosted by the HSE, including members of the Divisional Protective Services Unit, Community & Regular Policing unit members as well as the Juvenile Liaison Officer. All members took learning from the lived experiences of the speakers who spoke frankly of their personal experiences as well as receiving valuable input from HSE Addiction Services, Donegal Domestic Violence Services and the Garda National Domestic Abuse. The Gardaí who attended this event will share the learning with colleagues and be in a better position to support and empathise with women and their families who are experiencing addiction and the long and short term effects of addiction and associated issues including Domestic Abuse and Coercive Control.”

Cathal Grant, PPFS Senior Manager, Tusla, Cavan and Monaghan said: "We were delighted to be part of the Regional Conference, the collaboration between Tusla, HSE, our community and voluntary partners is key to better outcomes for Children and Families. In Cavan and Monaghan we look forward to continuing this partnership in 2024 with exciting opportunities in the development of programmes such as Circle of Security and Parents Under Pressure (PUP). I congratulate the organising committee on an excellent, thoughtful and challenging conference that should motivate us all to work collaboratively for Women in Addiction.”

Maura Gillen, General Manager Primary Care Donegal added: “It was a humbling experience to attend this conference, and a lesson in gratitude. It was developed and delivered by experts in their fields. It showed us in the room that adversity can be overcome with supports and encouragement. The message from all of the speakers on the day, is to Be that one person who makes the difference. Congratulations to the organisers and thanks to those that attended for the day and remained engaged”