ANNUAL REPORT

DUBLIN NORTH EAST DRUGS & ALCOHOLTASK FORCE LTD.

2014

Dublin North East Drugs Task Force Ltd.

The vision of the Task Force is ‘to create and sustain a system of supports, services and empowerment for individuals, families and communities through which existing and future problem drug use in Dublin North East is prevented, reduced and managed.’

The Dublin North East Drugs Task Force Ltd has interagency partnership at its heart, providing funding for community led initiatives to deliver community addiction responses to tackle the problems associated with drug misuse.

Socio-Economic profile of the Task Force Catchment Area

Dublin North East area, the catchment of the Task Force, is a large geographic area which is not homogenous in social and demographic terms (see map in Appendix I). The area can be considered a mixed one, with pockets of disadvantage, normally characterised by social housing, alongside relatively affluent areas. The sub catchment areas in which where there is a relative concentration of affluence, relative educational attainment, private housing and more affluent social classes are - including those adjacent to them - , Clontarf, Howth and Sutton. Relatively new areas such as Clongriffin and Belmayne have added a new dimension to the mix.

The areas characterised by concentrations of attributes of disadvantage such as social housing, deprivation, low educational attainment, membership of less affluent social classes are Darndale, Belcamp and Priorswood, areas to the east of Malahide Road on Collins Avenue, Edenmore, , Kilmore, and Bonnybrook. The size of the catchment and its mix of affluence and deprivation are the key features of the profile of the Task Force.

It is undoubtedly a large geographical area comprising varied communities and community types. The implication of this, especially with the changing nature of problem drug use and the groupings associated with problem use, suggests that multiple methods and approaches are required. The area has a mixture of the historical heroin issues that emerged in the 1980’s and 1990’s along with the more recent issue of polydrug use. It has become essentially an area of polydrug use including alcohol misuse. Regardless of the dynamics of drugs use, the catchment area is itself varied socially, demographically and geographically and this needs to be factored into the approach and thinking of the Task Force in its future operations and responses. Bearing this in mind, in 2014, the Task Force appointed an additional Prevention, Education & Intervention Worker to work in catchment areas of the Task Force where there are currently no community drug projects. These include Belmayne, Clongriffin, Baldoyle, Howth, Sutton and Donaghmede.

Part 1. An Overview of the drugs problem in the Dublin North East Area The information below is provided by the National Documentation Centre on Drug Use administered by the HRB. Overall there were a total number of 392 referrals into the Dublin North East Drugs Task Force Area in 2014.

Table 1- Total Overall Referrals Reason for Referral Total %

Drug 286 72.9 Alcohol 106 27.1

TOTAL 392 100

Table 2 – Reason for Referral Drug Type Total %

Opiates 208 53.1 Alcohol 106 27.1 Cannabis 35 8.9 Benzodiazepines 19 4.8 Cocaine 18 4.6 Others 4 1.0 Ecstasy 2 0.5

TOTAL 392 100

Table 3 – Source of Referral Source Total %

Self 158 40.2 Other drug treatment centre 53 13.5 Family & Friends 50 12.7 Prison 39 9.9 G.P 22 5.6 Social Services 20 5.1 Outreach Worker 14 3.8 Court/Probation/Gardaí 10 2.6 Hospital/Medical Agency (excluding E.D.) 7 1.8 Not Known 7 1.8 Other 12 3.0

TOTAL 392 100

Table 4 – Previously Treated Status Status Total %

Previously Treated Cases 218 55.6 Never Treated 121 30.9 Assessed Only 43 10.9 Treatment Status Unknown 10 2.6

TOTAL 392 100

Table 5 – Gender Gender Total %

Male 295 75.1 Female 96 24.5 Not Recorded 1 0.4

TOTAL 392 100

Table 6 – Grouped Age Age Total %

17 years or under 14 3.6 18-19 13 3.3 20-24 32 8.1 25-29 77 19.5 30-34 75 19.1 35-39 92 23.5 40-44 46 11.7 45-49 22 5.6 Over 50 21 5.4

TOTAL 392 100

Table 7 – Accommodation – living where Living in Total %

Stable Accommodation 308 78.5 Institution (e.g. prison, clinic) 52 13.2 Homeless 18 4.6 Other Unstable Accommodation 8 2.2 Not Known 6 1.5

TOTAL 392 100

Table 8 – Employment Status Status Total %

Unemployed 245 62.4 Retired/Unable to work/disability 53 13.5 In paid employment 50 12.7 FAS or other training scheme 24 6.1 Student 14 3.8 Other 6 1.5

TOTAL 392 100

Table 9 – Education Levels Level Total %

Primary level incomplete 17 4.3 Primary level 78 19.8 Junior Certificate 163 41.5 Leaving Certificate 60 15.3 Third level 20 5.1 Still in fulltime education 14 3.8 Not known 40 10.2

TOTAL 392 100

Table 10 – Main Problem Substances (Treated Cases only) Substance Total %

Opiates 189 54.3 Alcohol 90 25.8 Cannabis 32 9.2 Benzodiazepines 15 4.2 Cocaine 15 4.2 Ecstasy 2 1.1 Others 4 1.2

TOTAL 347 100

Table 11 – Number of Drugs Used (Treated Cases only) Uses more than one drug Total % (Polysubstance use)

Yes 216 62.2 No 131 37.8

TOTAL 347 100

Table 12 – Number of Problem Drugs (Treated Cases only) Number Total %

One 131 37.8 Two 81 23.3 Three 83 23.9 Four 52 15.0

TOTAL 347 100

Table 13 – Ever Injected (Treated Cases only) Injected? Total %

Yes 135 38.9 No 193 55.6 Not Known 19 5.5

TOTAL 347 100

Table 14 – Ever Shared Injecting Equipment (Treated Cases only) Shared? Total %

Yes 62 40.3 No 61 39.6 Not Known 31 20.1

TOTAL 154 100

Table 15 – Injected in Past Month (Treated Cases only) Injected? Total %

Yes 28 8.1 No 303 87.3 Not Known 16 4.6

TOTAL 347 100

Main Findings

The figures provide a wealth of information on drug prevalence, usage and treatment regarding the total of 392 referrals within the area. The proportion of males to females is 75% to 25% of recorded cases (a slight increase on female usage since last year). There are a number of areas that can be highlighted. The figures show that drug misuse referrals has jumped considerably from last year when compared to alcohol referrals( up from 65.7% to 72.9% of cases).The figures indicate that the most prevalent reason for referral is opiates at 54.3% up from 46.2% last year and even higher than the 2013 figure (52%). Alcohol remains the second most prevalent reason for referral at 25.8% (down 6% on the previous year). Cannabis remains as the third most problematic substance at 9.2%.

Although heroin continues to be a significant issue in the area the misuse of benzodiazepines are steadily increasing and treated cases are now on par with cocaine (4.2%) There were over 70 new psychoactive substances recorded in 2014 alone. Over 400 psychoactive substances are now being monitored by Gardaí. MDMA has also made a return to popularity and has been increasingly prevalent in the last two years.

High strength Cannabis (Skunk) is readily available and appears to be producing/exacerbating mental health issues. It is the most widely used form of cannabis among young people and it has been reported that Ireland is now self- sufficient due to the number of grow houses in the country. The average THC content has doubled from 8.6% in 2000 to between 17- 20% today. The incidence of self-harming is a concern for projects. All projects have noted increases in dual diagnosis with an increasing trend in mental health issues. Projects would like to see closer links between the HSE Addiction Services and Mental Health Services. Some projects are forging closer links with mental health nurses in order to address the problem.

The statistics show that in the majority of cases (62.2% %) more than one drug is used. This is up from 56.2% last year.

Intimidation remains a problem for projects. However there are ongoing initiatives in the area. Citywide and the HRB carried out an audit of drug related intimidation and community violence in drugs task force areas. This was supported by the Task Force and all community drug projects in the area took part. The fact that the incident reports remained anonymous was a consideration. The Drug Related Intimidation Reporting Programme, operated jointly by the Family Support Network and the Gardaí is also in operation within the area.

In December 2014 the Task Force were invited to appear before the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality regarding our submission on the effects of gangland crime on the Community. Details of incidents were reported where intimidation took place and the consequences for those with drug debt. The Task Force appearance led to some media interest in our work.

Self-referral is still the most common type of referral at 42.2%, an increase of 0.4% on the previous year. The second most common type of referral is family and friends at 13.5% which is down from the previous year when it was 15.6%.

A large majority of those referred (78.5%) are in stable accommodation but this is down from 85.8% last year and there is increasing evidence that homelessness is becoming a big issue for inner city Task Forces in particular

24.12% of referrals never progressed beyond primary school level in their educational achievements. However the corresponding figure last year was 30.2%. 15.3% completed the Leaving Certificate while those with a third level education are down from 8.4% to 5.1%.

62.4% of people referred are unemployed as opposed to 68.5% last year. 12.7% are in paid employment which remains unchanged from last year.

Main Achievements 2014 - Local Drugs Strategy

 The Task Force strengthened its corporate governance by appointing eleven new members in 2014. In addition two new Directors were appointed to the Board

 An additional Prevention, Education & Intervention Worker was appointed in February 2014.

 Approval was obtained from the DPU to refocus funding in the Childcare Resource Centre to appoint a part-time Child & Family Support Worker.

 The Task Force delivered another Strengthening Families Programme.

 An independent evaluation of funded community drugs projects was carried out. The evaluation identified emerging needs within the area and the Task Force concentrated efforts to meet these needs. Areas targeted included cannabis and alcohol use in young people under 25, family support, move on and aftercare programmes, education/training, alcohol specific programmes, mental health and dual diagnosis

 The MIC project closed but funding was reallocated to family support and cannabis and alcohol use in young people.

 Funding was reallocated to provide an education bursary, alcohol specific programmes, parenting courses and counselling services targeting mental health/dual diagnosis

 The Task Force funded places on the Certificate in Counselling Skills in addition to the Certificate in Addiction Studies course provided through NUI Maynooth

 Funding was provided by the Task Force for a Cannabis Conference hosted by the Dales

 New SLA’s were signed with the HSE and closer links established with them following a Review of the Dublin North City and County Addiction Service by the HSE

 Agreement was reached with the DPU to use part of the Task Force reserve to fund emerging needs and sustainable projects

 The Task Force and Projects within the area remained active members of the local safety forums such as the Safer Darndale/Belcamp/Moatview Forum and the Safer Belmayne/Clongriffin Forum. There is also continued involvement with the North Central Joint Policing Committee and the Task Force Chairperson made a presentation to the Committee in July 2014

 Work continued on the upgrade of the Task Force website.

 Repairs and maintenance to the Mornington Centre were carried out both internally and externally. The building remains available for related courses, groups, meetings and counselling. A refund of rates was secured from and further revenue generated from advertising on the side of the building.

 Work continued on implementing Task Force policies and procedures including a policy on Task Force reserves.

 The progression of the NDRIC process was enhanced by a decision to allocate funding to the roll out of the eCASS system to all interim funded community drug projects. This data information system will capture data at community level for key workers and case managers. Anonymised data will then be fed to the Task Force from all projects enabling the Task Force to produce reports for the members on an area wide basis. This information can then be forwarded to the HRB for inclusion in national statistics.

Profile of DTF Funded projects:

The projects assisted by the Drugs Task Force provide community based supports ranging from youth interventions to methadone maintenance. The Treatment and Rehabilitation Subcommittee of the Task Force has also been working to create progression routes for poly drug service users.

Emerging Needs It is evident from the Project Evaluations that polydrug and alcohol use are affecting a higher percentage of overall referrals. It will be incumbent upon existing projects to endeavour to meet the service needs of both opiate and non-opiate client groups. Those with non-opiate drug and alcohol related problems may be less likely to seek assistance through existing projects. Some may associate these projects with opiate users alone and as such believe that they do not have a similar need for support and assistance. It may also be the case that individuals and their families from some areas may be reluctant to be seen to enter established project settings or mix with groups that they consider to have more severe drug problems. Regardless of the ethics of this perspective, there is an onus on the Task Force to provide supports and services in a manner that will be effective and practical for all.

Bonnybrook Fairfield Riverside Parent Support Group

This group is based in Brookhaven Rehabilitation Centre. The group looks to work with drugs users and their families. It provides one to one counselling, family support, outreach, treatment and rehabilitation referrals, personal development, reflexology, spiritual healing, family and crafts, addiction management, narcotics anonymous, prison linkage work and beautician drug education programmes.

TravAct – Traveller Support Group

An outreach worker is hired through TravAct to work with the Traveller community in Priorswood to educate, train and develop addiction awareness and education. Working with other traveller staff, the worker develops therapies and training courses to assist the community understand addiction and how to respond to it.

EDIT

EDIT is a community based drug project based in Edenmore. Its target group is stabilised drug users. It provides counselling, key working, awareness group meetings, acupuncture, therapy, computer skills, holistic group, narcotics anonymous meetings and social activities.

Donnycarney Drug Project

The target group for the project is those residing in the Donnycarney area. The activities provided by the project centre on a drop in clinic, methadone maintenance, counselling, family support, key working and outreach work.

Kilbarrack Coast Community Project (KCCP)

The target group of this project is problematic drug users. The activities include desktop publishing, magazine production, creative writing, arts and crafts, individual training, forklift driving, welding and nail sculpture. KCCP also funds a parent support group.

Darndale/Belcamp Drug Awareness Group (Dales)

The target group of this group are people from Darndale, Belcamp and Moatview. The activities of the group include referrals, one to one support, family support, liaise with community agencies, prison visits, complementary therapies, drop in and drug free time.

Rehabilitation and Support Programme (Laneview Learning Centre)

This project provides structured rehabilitation for persons stable on methadone and coming from the general Dublin 17 area. Currently this project is not funded through the Task Force on an ongoing basis but it has submitted a proposal for an aftercare programme that has been approved by the Task Force and is under consideration by the DPU. It is also active on Task Force Sub Committees.

MIC Project

The Darndale Belcamp Resource Centre provides a programme in community based training in music, media and arts for young people ‘at risk’ under the Prevention & Education pillar. The target group in particular is for those without Junior/Leaving Cert or anyone out of work / employment for a long time. This Project closed in September 2014. Funding will be transferred to emerging needs programmes in 2015.

Action 42

Dublin North East Drugs Task Force has a Service Users (Clients) Forum in place for a number of years. This is intended to facilitate clearer communications between clients and services. The existence of the Forum encourages empowerment for service users particularly given the recognition of their viewpoints, their representation of others and the wealth of their own personal experience of addiction, service uptake and engagement. The Clients Forum along with the Treatment & Rehab Subgroup identified aftercare provision as an area requiring improvement. The Clients Forum Chairperson is a member of the Task Force and the Treatment & Rehabilitation Subgroup. The Chair is also a member of the Service Users Representative Forum.

Governance

Board of Directors

Legal/Governance Sub Committees

Finance HR Prevention

Treatment & Rehabilitation

Coordinator

Project Cohesion Prevention, Officer Intervention & Education Workers

Administrator

Task Force Membership

The Task Force set up a Membership Subgroup in 2014 to assist them in expanding membership. This will facilitate wider sectoral and geographical representation, improve the Task Force skills base and facilitate wider debate on strategic matters. Eleven new members were selected in 2014 and three resigned. This brings the Task Force membership to twenty six. There were 9 Task Force meetings held in 2014.

Name Role on Task Organisation/Area Force Pat Carey Chairperson Independent Gerry McMahon Voluntary Edenmore Drug Intervention Team Angela McLoughlin Community Darndale Det. Insp. Colm Healy Statutory Raheny Garda Gavin Carpenter Voluntary Media Initiative Collective James Kelly Statutory Probation Services Cllr. Ciarán O’Moore Statutory Dublin City Council Donna Stanley Community Artane Family Resource Brian Kirwan Statutory HSE Cepta Dowling Director Independent

Marie Hanlon Community Bonnybrook Parent Director Support Group Stephen Reid Community Director Cllr. Cian O Callaghan Statutory Fingal County Council Aidan Fitzsimons Statutory Dublin City Council Arthur O Donnell Community Darndale Director Marian McKenna Community Travact Director Sadie Grace Community Artane Kay O’Donnell Voluntary Clients Forum Lorraine Clarke Voluntary PACE Celia Rafferty Statutory CDETB Marian Clarke Voluntary KCCP Margaret McKearney Community Howth Cllr. Michael O’Brien Statutory Dublin City Council Lorraine Stewart Voluntary DYP Odran Reid Voluntary Northside Partnership Linda Hayden Voluntary Bell Centre, Darndale The Task Force would like to express their condolences to the family of Florrie Cunningham who passed away during the year. We would like to thank her for her work and support over the years.

Many thanks also to Marie O’Sullivan, HSE who has moved on from the HSE Addiction Services.

Membership of the Task Force Board of Directors

Two new members, Lorraine Stewart and Arthur O’Donnell, were appointed onto the Board at the AGM.

Name Role on Board of Organisation Directors Pat Carey Chairperson Independent Cepta Dowling Director Independent Marie Hanlon Director Bonnybrook Parent Support Group Marian McKenna Director Travact Lorraine Stewart Director DYP Stephen Reid Director Kilbarrack Arthur O’Donnell Director Belcamp/ Darndale

The Task Force would like to thank Cllr Larry O’Toole for his work and dedication as a member of the Board over a number of years. His contributions will be sorely missed.

Finance Subgroup Membership

Name Role on Finance Organisation Subgroup Pat Carey Chairperson Independent Cepta Dowling Voluntary Independent Marie Hanlon Community Bonnybrook Parent Support Group Marian McKenna Voluntary Travact

Human Resources Subgroup Membership

Name Role on HR Organisation Subgroup Pat Carey Chairperson Independent Cepta Dowling Voluntary Northside Partnership Gerry McMahon Voluntary EDIT

Prevention Subgroup Membership

Name Role on Prevention Organisation Sub-Group Debbie Whelan Interim Chair Edenmore Bernie McDonnell Interim Vice Chair CAD Andrew Malone Statutory Garda JLO Clontarf Mairead Minnock Statutory Department of Education Marian Clarke Community KCCP Michelle Waters Statutory Dublin CC Julie Ryan Community Dales

Treatment and Rehabilitation Subgroup Membership

Name Role on Organisation Treatment and Rehabilitation Subgroup Marie Hanlon Chairperson Bonnybrook Parent Support Pat Carey Independent Lorraine Stewart Community Donnycarney YP Sarah Farrelly Community LIP - Northside Partnership Pat Hanna Community RASP Pat McCormack Statutory CDETB Dermot Gough Voluntary Dales Project Eimear Smith Statutory Probation Service Margaret Bowden Statutory HSE Anne Marie Talbot Statutory HSE/RIS Amy Fogarty Voluntary Childcare Resource Centre Kay O’Donnell Voluntary Clients Forum Samantha Parkes Voluntary Dales Project

.

Staffing of Task Force

Job Title Functions Pay Funding Employing Rates Source Authority

Coordinator To plan, coordinate and Grade VII HSE HSE support the salary development and scale implementation of a local drug strategy in the DNEDTF catchment area

Rehabilitation Support and contribute Project HSE DNEDTF & Cohesion to the work of the TF Cohesion Officer through project support, Officer support of scale community/voluntary reps and policy development.

NDRIC Coordinator Education Lead, develop and CDYSB CDYSB DNEDTF Worker implementation of TF Youth Family Support strategy Worker scale Liaise with local agencies and statutory bodies to develop programme to meet local needs. Education & To work with services to CDYSB CDYSB DNEDTF Intervention increase community Youth Worker awareness and Worker education in relation to scale drug use and related issues.

To expand services in the Task Force catchment areas where required

Administrator Provision of office Grade III HSE DNEDTF administration services salary and financial scale information to support decision making and reporting

Appendix I

Appendix II Funding Allocation 2014 for Task Force Internal Projects from DPU

Code Project Channel 2014 ALLOCATION of Funding NE2-1 Prevention & Education CDYSB 117,941 NE2-12 Mornington Centre HSE 121,834 Administrator/Researcher NE2-13 Certificate in Addiction Studies HSE 18,000

NE2-17 Rehabilitation & Cohesion - HSE 63,850 DNEDTF

Total Allocation 321,625

Appendix III – Work Plan

Dublin North East Drugs Task Force Work Plan 2015

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Introduction

This report gives a high level overview of the work plan in place for Dublin North East Drugs Task Force for 2015.

Purpose To plan and support the development and implementation of a local drug strategy in Dublin North East Local Drugs Task Force catchment area

Evaluation 2015 The Task Force plan to carry out an evaluation of internal projects commencing in the second quarter in 2015. The Task Force will be guided by the recommendations of this evaluation and will make whatever changes necessary to this Work Plan in the interests of service provision and value for money.

National Drugs Strategy 2009 - 2016

The overall strategic aims are;

 To create a safer society through the reduction of the supply and availability of drugs for illicit use

 To minimise problem drug use throughout society

 To provide appropriate and timely substance treatment and rehabilitation services(including harm reduction services) tailored to individual needs

 To ensure the availability of accurate, timely, relevant and comparable data on the extent and nature of problem substance use in Ireland

 To have in place an efficient and effective framework for implementing the National Substance Misuse Strategy 2009 - 2016

Work Areas

Objective Activity Prevention & Intervention Facilitate the development of prevention programmes  Provide Drug Awareness Programmes and interventions to address the needs of substance through workshops misusers and their families  Ensure all areas of the Task Force catchment area are targeted.  Await recommendations from the Project Evaluation Report on the appointment of a Prevention & Intervention Worker  Provide Sexual Health Programmes as a follow on to Drug Awareness Programmes to include HIV and AIDS issues  Continue Prevention Sub-Group work

Education Provide training and support for the development of  Liaise with NUIM and other educational project workers. establishments on appropriate courses for project workers and service users in Develop and deliver schools programmes in recovery accordance with best practice guidelines for Social,  Provide drugs awareness programmes in Personal and Health Education schools as part of SPHE  Facilitate community based training for addiction studies participants  Allocation of financial assistance through the education bursary Family Support Target specific at risk groups  Provide intervention skills evidence based Strengthening Families Programmes for families with teenagers 14 years – 18 years old and a separate programme for pre- teens  Evaluate programmes to identify tangible benefits Intervention Training and Development Ensure that frontline workers are equipped and  Provision of CRAFT Accreditation competent to provide intervention support using training where required models that have been proven to work Rehabilitation and Cohesion Participate in the introduction of the National Drug  Continue to work on gaps and blocks as Rehabilitation Framework identified  Work towards the implementation of the eCASS client management system  Coordinate with all projects within the catchment area to ensure full compliance with the National Drug Treatment Reporting System  Quads review of data protection, consent and child protection through NDRIC structure

Objective Activity  Provide support, guidance, training and career path planning to post rehabilitation participants Treatment Develop a national integrated treatment and  Continue to support agreed protocols for rehabilitation service that provides drug free and the introduction of community detox harm reduction approaches for problem substance Continue Treatment and Rehabilitation users Sub-Group work  Provide training in SMART recovery aftercare – Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely

Organisational Development Review of current strategic and operational  Monitor benefits to corporate governance structures resulting from the increase in Task Force membership Develop and improve Task Force skills base  Update Task Force website  Update Task Force logo to incorporate alcohol remit Client Participation Ensure continued participation of clients  Facilitate Client Forum in its role by providing a place on the Treatment & Rehabilitation Subgroup in addition to its membership on the Task Force  Encourage links between the Clients Forum and the Service Users Representative Forum so service users national issues will be more widely known and debated at local level.  Continue liaison with Client Forum Chair to ensure clients input into services Alcohol  Provide alcohol specific programmes where required  Participate in National Alcohol Forum Conference and provide funding for community reps to attend  Continue participation in Coordinators Network plans for an Alcohol Workshop