News
Local news and latest information for the community and services in Dublin's North Inner City.
The Oasis Centre Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course which will run over 8 weeks via zoom. Please register your interest by filling in application form on our website www.oasiscentre.ie
Minister Harris announces 17,000 laptops ordered to assist students with online and blended learning
From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Published at:
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD, has announced up to 17,000 laptops will be distributed to third level students to assist with online learning.
A fund for student devices worth €15 million was part of a €168 million package for further and higher education sectors to deal with the impacts of COVID-19.
This funding has already allowed higher education institutions and further education institutions place a bulk order of 16,700 devices for students across third level and further devices are also being procured individually by some institutions.
Once-off COVID-19 Grant to support disadvantaged students in accessing ICT devices
The €168 million funding package includes an additional €10 million for access supports which complements the IT support package. Students in higher education institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support via their local access office.
The devices will be distributed through targeted lending schemes run by the institutions. In the higher education sector, this will be overseen by Student Access Offices. In the further education and training sector, this will be overseen by the Education and Training Board (ETB) management.
Anyone who needs a laptop and feels they fall into the criteria of disadvantaged student SHOULD APPLY to their college to the Student Services Office and they will process your application.Mortality Amongst The Homeless Population in Dublin
29/07/2020
Given local and professional concerns around a number of recent deaths of individuals associated with services in Dublin City, NICDATF are highlighting here a relevant study undertaken of recorded deaths in Dublin amongst the homeless population.
The study carried out by researchers from Trinity College Dublin – looked into 209 deaths recorded by the DRHE (Dublin Regional Homeless Executive) between 2011 and 2015. Of these deaths, 201 were verified either from death certificates or coroner’s records.
The research found that the standardised mortality ratios (SMRs – basically the deaths in the group in comparison with expected deaths in the general population) was 3 to 10 times higher in homeless men and 6 to 10 times higher in homeless women, when compared with the general population.
In terms of causes, drug- and alcohol-related deaths accounted for 38.4% of the deaths in homeless individuals. These were followed by circulatory (20%) and respiratory causes (13%). The authors of the report concluded that mortality rates among the homeless population are “exceptionally high”.
Mortality Amongst The Homeless Population in Dublin
29/07/2020
Given local and professional concerns around a number of recent deaths of individuals associated with services in Dublin City, NICDATF are highlighting here a relevant study undertaken of recorded deaths in Dublin amongst the homeless population.
The study carried out by researchers from Trinity College Dublin – looked into 209 deaths recorded by the DRHE (Dublin Regional Homeless Executive) between 2011 and 2015. Of these deaths, 201 were verified either from death certificates or coroner’s records.
The research found that the standardised mortality ratios (SMRs – basically the deaths in the group in comparison with expected deaths in the general population) was 3 to 10 times higher in homeless men and 6 to 10 times higher in homeless women, when compared with the general population.
In terms of causes, drug- and alcohol-related deaths accounted for 38.4% of the deaths in homeless individuals. These were followed by circulatory (20%) and respiratory causes (13%). The authors of the report concluded that mortality rates among the homeless population are “exceptionally high”.
This DRHE commissioned study made recommendations, among which were –
- That an annual audit, similar to that undertaken during this research, be undertaken to capture additional data relating to persons who are active services users (i.e., had an active record on PASS) who are known to have died although they may not have been accessing services at the time of their death
- That the Dublin Region Homeless Executive should produce an annual report of deaths occurring in homeless persons, being validated against death records at the General Register Office
- That a group is established to investigate how the local authority based regions’ reports can be used most effectively to inform policy, configure appropriate health and homeless services and improve health responses for homeless persons.
World Hepatitis Day 28th July 2020
27/07/2020
World Hepatitis Day Events in the NICDATF area:
Hep C is preventable, treatable and now it is curable.
Free Hep C Testing:
On Tuesday 28th of July there will be free Hep C testing available in the HSE Summerhill Inclusion Health Hub, 90-92 Summerhill, Dublin 1, 01 8765200. No appointment needed.
The SAOL Project are holding a series of pop-up events across the North Inner City to raise awareness and provide information about Hep C.
Support workers in SAOL provide Hep C support on an ongoing basis, so if you are anxious about being tested or would like to know more about the treatment, talk to Vanessa or Belinda in SAOL on 01-8553391.
#FindtheMissingMillions #WorldHepatitisDay
The treatment has changed and it is nothing like it used to be. If you want to find out more about the new treatment experience take a look at SAOL Hep C Stories 2
“nine new stories about experiences of Hep C treatment so that you can stop worrying about all the myths and half-truths and get treatment for yourself”
The Hep C Partnership website provides some excellent information on Hep C, testing and treatment and supports: www.hepcpartnership.ie/
HRB Drug Treatment Report 2013-2019 Published
10/07/2020
The Health Research Board (HRB) has published the annually updated bulletin from the National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS) on cases of treated problem drug use (excluding alcohol) in Ireland.
It covers the period 2013 to 2019. In this seven-year period, 67,875 cases were treated for drug use as a main problem.
View the 2013-2019 Report here and the 2019 Infographic here.
Drug-Related Intimidation Initiative (DRII) research in North East Inner City
24/06/2020
The Drug-Related Intimidation Initiative are carrying out an important piece of research on Drug-Related Intimidation in Dublin’s North East Inner City through the methodology of an anonymous survey, individual interviews and focus groups.
Drug-Related Intimidation Anonymous Online Survey
If you’re over 18 and live or work in the North East Inner City, please click the following link to take part in the online survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z8MK68V
Individual interviews, which are for people who are living/working in the NEIC, over the age of 18, and who have direct personal experience of drug-related intimidation
If you’re interested in taking part in a confidential, one to one interview, contact sarahjane.mccreery@aldp.ie or call 085 858 8988. You can also contact NICDATF and we will put you in touch.
Focus groups, which are for people who are working in services in the NEIC, over the age of 18, and who encounter the issue of drug-related intimidation through their working lives
If you or a colleague have had direct experience with the issue of drug-related intimidation through your working lives and would like to share your insights in one of our focus group, contact us at sarahjane.mccreery@aldp.ie or 085 858 8988.
Drug-Related Intimidation Initiative (DRII) research in North East Inner City
24/06/2020
The Drug-Related Intimidation Initiative are carrying out an important piece of research on Drug-Related Intimidation in Dublin’s North East Inner City through the methodology of an anonymous survey, individual interviews and focus groups.
Drug-Related Intimidation Anonymous Online Survey
If you’re over 18 and live or work in the North East Inner City, please click the following link to take part in the online survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z8MK68V
Individual interviews, which are for people who are living/working in the NEIC, over the age of 18, and who have direct personal experience of drug-related intimidation
If you’re interested in taking part in a confidential, one to one interview, contact sarahjane.mccreery@aldp.ie or call 085 858 8988. You can also contact NICDATF and we will put you in touch.
Focus groups, which are for people who are working in services in the NEIC, over the age of 18, and who encounter the issue of drug-related intimidation through their working lives
If you or a colleague have had direct experience with the issue of drug-related intimidation through your working lives and would like to share your insights in one of our focus group, contact us at sarahjane.mccreery@aldp.ie or 085 858 8988.
Irish Youth Foundation -
Generation Pandemic Fund
08/06/2020
This €500,000 fund will be awarded to youth organisations that aim to assist Ireland’s most vulnerable children and young people get back to education; to thrive physically and mentally and to become workplace ready. The fund will support organisations working with children and young people in the Republic of Ireland aged between 6-24 years.
Closing date: Wednesday 1st July 2020 at 6pm.
Click here for further details.
Deora Counselling - Addiction, bereavement and suicide support in the North Inner City
28/05/2020
Deora Counselling, based in the Oasis Counselling Centre is a specialised counselling and crisis intervention service supporting people affected by bereavement, addiction and suicide.
Deora continues to provide this service by phone during COVID-19, and can take on new clients.
Crisis-orientated counselling aimed at reducing risk of harm is provided immediately to those presenting with thoughts of suicide.
For enquiries or support call 01-8364524 or email info@oasiscentre.ie.
Visit the website Deora Project at the Oasis Centre.
At the Oasis Centre off Seville Place nature continues, and so too do the vital services of The Oasis Centre and The Deora Project.
SAOL Sisters are Irish Times Image of the Day
13/05/2020
A photo of the women of the SAOL Project rehearsing their singing on Amiens Street has made it into the Irish Times Images of the Day list.
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/images-of-the-day-1.4252752
Keeping up social support while adhering to social distancing.
BeLonG To Survey: LGBTI+ youth in lockdown
BeLonG To want to really understand what life is like for LGBTI+ young people during this time. The survey is for LGBTI+ young people between 14-23 and takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.
The survey we will gain an insight into the experiences of LGBTI+ youth during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in turn help BeLonG To provide them with support services to match their needs.
Don’t forget BeLonG To LGBTI+ youth groups are now operating online every week for existing group members. Youth Workers are available to talk to any LGBTI+ young person who needs to chat over text, Whatsapp, phone or email.
Coaching ourselves through the Covid crisis
In January 2020, six Recovery Coaches began their work placements to support people in addiction as part of their training with The Recovery Academy. Then the whole world changed.
Read their inspiring account of their experiences; how they’ve kept going, what they’ve learned, as well as some great practical advice for everyone on coping with the ‘lock down’.
Crinan & SAOL Support for
Child to Parent Violence (CPV)
Lots of parents experience child to parent violence. Crinan Youth Project and SAOL Women’s Project are working together to provide support.
eSuicideTalk
Online Suicide Awareness Training
esuicideTALK is at an introductory level (see graphic below) on-line suicide awareness training and is a one to two hour exploration in suicide awareness.
The programme is organised around the question “should we talk about suicide?” and offers a space to safely explore some of the more challenging issues relating to suicide. The programme encourages everyone to find a part they can play in preventing suicide. Its goal is to help make direct, open and honest talk about suicide easier.
Irish residents, aged 18 and over, can access esuicideTALK for free.
COVID-19 Coronavirus information
If you are looking for drug or alcohol supports, click here to find out about local services.
If you are a local service, click here for locally relevant COVID-19 information and resources.
For the latest national information please see the following websites which are being updated daily:
HPSC website which is updated at 1pm daily
HIV Ireland News and Events
Upcoming Education and Training @ HIV Ireland
- Wednesday 29th January: Understanding Chemsex.
- Tuesday 4th February: HIV – ending new transmissions in Ireland
- Tuesday 18th February: STIs, Condoms and Safer Sex
- Friday 28th February: HIV, Stigma and Discrimination
- March 2020: Let’s Talk About Safer Sex: 3-day training for trainers programme
Get more information and register at: https://www.hivireland.ie/what-we-do/training/training-calendar/.
If you have a number of staff who require education and training, we can organise a group programme for your organisation. Group education and training programmes are free of charge for NICDATF projects (funded by the NICDATF). Email susan.donlon@hivireland.ie for more information or to book a programme.
Free HIV and STI Testing
HIV Ireland holds an HIV and STI testing clinic on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month. This service is free of charge and is a walk-in service (no appointment needed). Doors open at 1pm on the day of the clinic. When referring people to the service, please explain that often there is queue so we recommend that people arrive as early as they can. You can read more about what happens at the clinic here: https://www.hivireland.ie/what-we-do/free-testing/.
Testing clinic dates in January:
- Wednesday 8th January
- Wednesday 22nd January
Testing clinic dates in February:
- Wednesday 12th February
- Wednesday 26th February
Free Condoms Service at HIV Ireland
During office opening hours, free condoms can be accessed in our office at 70 Eccles Street, Dublin 7.
When referring people to this service just tell them top drop in and ask at reception for their free condoms. Our office opening hours are Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm, and Fridays from 9am to 4:30pm.
Organisations involved in the promotion of HIV and STI prevention, and sexual health awareness, can also access free condoms for distribution through their services or for specific events. Request forms for this service are available here: https://www.hivireland.ie/what-we-do/free-resources/
Our free condoms service is part of our Just Carry One campaign. Follow the campaign here: www.facebook.com/justcarryone.
The GALAS LGBT+ Awards
HIV Ireland has been shortlisted for the Noel Walsh HIV Activism Award at the 2020 NXF GALAS LGBT+ Awards.
Upcoming Events:
- 20th to 26th January: European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week
- 8th February: The GALAS LGBT+ Awards
- 10th to 13th February: SHAG Week, Union of Students in Ireland
European Commission online public consultation for the evaluation of the EU Drug Strategy 2013 - 2020
We would like to invite you to participate in the European Commission’s evaluation, with the support of an external consultant, of the EU drug strategy 2013-2020 available at
http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/document-library/eu-drugs-strategy-2013-20
Within this evaluation process, the Commission seeks to gather input through an online public consultation opened until 4 February 2020 and available in all languages.
Please register and provide your view at:
https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/initiatives/ares-2018-5655037/public-consultation_en
NEIC Needs Analysis Research
A seminar on substance related issues in Dublin’s North East Inner City (NEIC) was held on the 1st of July 2019 in the Department of Health. The seminar focused on recent Needs Analysis of the NEIC area commissioned by NICDATF, along with an update of recent responses being progressed by the HSE.
