Volunteer Programme / Sundial House, 140 James’s Street, Dublin 8. + 353 1 633 9226 / T + 353 1 607 4476 / F volunteer.coordinator@depaulireland.org / E www.depaulireland.org / W
INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE VOLUNTEERS
Dublin projects
DEPAUL IRELAND VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME ORIGINS Depaul Ireland derives its name and mission from the work of St Vincent de Paul (1580 1660) who was a major social reformer in 17th century Europe. His work was extremely innovative and challenged the perceptions held by both Church and State by reaching out to the most poor and marginalised of his day. Vincent believed in action rather than words and as a result his work turned into a worldwide movement in the space of his lifetime. This work continues today under the auspices of the Society of St Vincent de Paul, and other Vincentian groups, with over a million active members globally. Depaul Ireland was initially established in London in 1989 at the initiative of the late Cardinal Basil Hume as a response to the growing numbers of young people sleeping rough on the streets of London. The founding partners were the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul, the Society of St Vincent de Paul and the Passage Day Centre. It is non-judgmental in the same way that Vincent de Paul was and focuses on being innovative and action-driven.
DEPAUL IRELAND Depaul Ireland was established in 2002 at the request of the SVP in Ireland, The Daughters of Charity and the Vincentian Fathers. It was envisaged that with the experience and expertise that Depaul UK had accumulated in England would be invaluable to the homeless sector in Ireland. As with the Depaul UK in England it continues to have strong links with the founding agencies. However, its staff and its client group are drawn from all walks of life – other faiths or no faith at all. It is non-judgmental in the same way that Vincent de Paul was nonjudgmental. The focus is on innovation and action.
Depaul Ireland, as a relatively new charity, shares the ethos and values of a 400-year tradition aimed at practical support and solutions to those in need. “The service of the poor is to be preferred to all else, and to be performed without delay. If at a time set aside for prayer, medicine or help has to be brought to some poor man, go and do what has to be done with an easy mind …” Vincent de Paul
OUR VISION Everyone has a place to call home and a stake in their community
OUR MISSION STATEMENT Depaul Ireland offers homeless and disadvantaged people the opportunity to fulfil their potential and move towards an independent and positive future.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Volunteer Programme / Sundial House, 140 James’s Street, Dublin 8. +353 1 633 9226 / T + 353 1 607 4476 / F volunteer.coordinator@depaulireland.org / E www.depaulireland.org / W
DEPAUL IRELAND VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME
ORCHID HOUSE James Street, Dublin 8
Need With street drinking being a persistent issue in Dublin, research into the problem was commissioned by the Homeless Initiative followed by the setting up of a working group. The findings of the report (‘Under Dublin’s Neon Lights’) recommended a project focussing on long-term street drinkers who are excluded from a lot of existing services and for whom rehabilitation may not be a possibility. The report proposed a medium to long-term project based on harm minimisation where residents would receive a high degree of care, support and dignity. In December 2002 Depaul Ireland opened this Low Threshold Centre for street drinkers in direct response to the research. This project was the first of its kind in the Republic of Ireland.
Project Aims
To provide a 24/7 project providing care and support to long term street drinkers, working to a principle of harm reduction. To provide access to welfare rights advice, health care and other specialist services. To provide a ‘homely’ environment with a high standard of accommodation and care. To identify move-on opportunities for the client group.
A care plan is developed between the service users and worker, which is monitored and reviewed. The care plan covers life skills, budgeting, drink harm reduction, detox access and health and mental health support. Specialist support is made available by bringing in services from GP’s and nurses. The project which was opened for an initial 6 month period was then given permanent funding. Lessons learned from this project were used to shape the permanent Low Threshold hostel that Depaul Ireland opened at Sundial House.
Client Group The project houses up to 23 long-term homeless street drinkers who have failed to or do not wish to stop drinking. The service users may have associated mental health issues, general health issues and low selfesteem. The project will accept both men and women over the age of 18. The average age of residents is mid 40s.
Facilities The project caters for 23 street drinkers. All service users receive a cooked meal at lunch and dinner and a light breakfast Service Users are appointed a key worker to ensure they can access all the services they require and receive the appropriate support.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Volunteer Programme / Sundial House, 140 James’s Street, Dublin 8. +353 1 633 9226 / T + 353 1 607 4476 / F volunteer.coordinator@depaulireland.org / E www.depaulireland.org / W
DEPAUL IRELAND VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME
SUNDIAL HOUSE Long term housing, James Street, Dublin
Need and background The Long term Housing project at Sundial House provides Low threshold housing for people who have experienced extended periods of street homelessness and have entrenched alcohol use issues. The aim is to provide a holistic harm reduction response to the presenting needs of those housed. The project supports a continuum of care approach and has been purpose built to ensure high quality accommodation.
Project aims
To provide long term housing option to client group To provide a supportive and healthy shared living environment To provide emotional and motivational support To take a holistic harm reduction approach to health and addiction needs. To meet the basic medical/ health needs within people own accommodation.
Facilities and services The project accommodates 30 people, men and women, singles and couples in spacious en suite accommodation, there are both single and twin rooms. (26 long-term beds and 3 rooms with enhanced care facilities) The service has ample communal areas and one to one space on each of the five floors, serviced by a lift to allow for accessibility to all levels. The project is staffed on a 24/7 basis. Meals are provided at the project and there will be a moderate service charge. Laundry facilities and garden balcony’s are available to service users.
A care plan is developed between the service users and worker, which is monitored and reviewed. The care plan covers life skills, budgeting, drink harm reduction, detox access and health and mental health support.
Client group The project is designed to house those with a long history of street homelessness and entrenched alcohol use issues. The aim is to mainly house those who are 35 years and over but the service will remain flexible to all age groups of people with Complex needs.
All service users are appointed a key worker to ensure they can access all the services they require and receive the appropriate support. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Volunteer Programme / Sundial House, 140 James’s Street, Dublin 8. +353 1 633 9226 / T + 353 1 607 4476 / F volunteer.coordinator@depaulireland.org / E www.depaulireland.org / W
DEPAUL IRELAND VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME
BACK LANE HOSTEL Christchurch, Dublin 8
Need and background Back Lane hostel is a 74-bedded project with a well-deserved reputation for providing good quality accommodation, food and support for homeless men in Dublin. The project is managed by Depaul Ireland for the St Vincent de Paul Society in Dublin. Over its 85-year history the project has responded to the changing climate of the accommodation need of Dubliners. As a project it is seen to have a vital role in the homelessness strategy for Dublin and a role that it is hoped will expand.
Project Aims
To provide an emergency 24/7 hostel for 75 homeless men with low support needs. To provide access to welfare rights advice, health care and other specialist services, both at the project and at other services in the community. To put in place quality assurance and Keyworking systems.
All service users are appointed a key worker to ensure they can access all the services they require and receive the appropriate support. A care plan is developed between the service users and worker, which is monitored and reviewed. The care plan covers life skills, budgeting, drink harm reduction, detox access and health and mental health support.
Facilities and Services The project provides direct access, emergency and short-term accommodation on a three months basis, for 75 single homeless men. Some service users have become more long term. All bedrooms are single with washbasin and service users have access to bathroom facilities, a communal pool and snooker room, library and television lounge. Full board is provided. Two rooms are fully wheelchair accessible. All residents are given assistance on resettlement and support following their move on.
Client Group Single homeless men over the age of 26 with low support needs. The project will accept people with alcohol and mental health issues but it is not in a position to support men with acute substance, mental health or behavioural issues.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Volunteer Programme / Sundial House, 140 James’s Street, Dublin 8. +353 1 633 9226 / T + 353 1 607 4476 / F volunteer.coordinator@depaulireland.org / E www.depaulireland.org / W
DEPAUL IRELAND VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME
BALLYMUN CASE MANAGEMENT TEAM Shangan Road, Ballymun, Dublin 9
Need and background Over the last few years several of the agencies working within the Ballymun area have identified significant needs for supported services reaching out to residents of Ballymun who have a history of alcohol misuse. In discussion with Ballymun Regeneration Ltd and the Health Services Executive and more recently with the local Drug Task Force the Depaul Ireland’s Case Management Team was established for a pilot period of 18 months. The ‘Ballymun Homeless Action Plan’ (2003), highlighted the risk of people with alcohol addiction issues losing tenancies due to complete lack of support services in the area. It recommended that an outreach-based service (floating support) needed to be developed. In addition to this, a report carried out in 1999 by the Homeless Initiative called ‘Under Dublin’s Neon Lights’ recognised the need for residential and day services for this client group. Service users are often excluded from services in the locality due to their challenging behaviour, thus accessing much needed services can be difficult.
Facilities and Services Based from an office in one of the existing tower flats in Ballymun the projects engages with people in the community either in their flats or on the streets, wherever their home is.
Aims
To assess the needs of people and their families in Ballymun, in their homes and on the streets who have alcohol misuse issues. This includes people who may have related polysubstance use issues and/or related mental or physical health, social and economic issues. This also includes chaotic clients who are excluded from services and minority groups.
To provide a floating support service to those people assessed as appropriate to the service or to provide onward referral to more relevant service providers. To direct future services for people who are affected by alcohol related issues.
Outreach Tenancy sustainment initiatives by offering support in Households By advocating alcohol related needs in local networks By collating evidence based research on this client group Through working in partnership with other agencies
Client Group 1. 2. 3. 4.
Residents in the Ballymun area. Homeless in Ballymun. Male and female. Single and families.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Volunteer Programme / Sundial House, 140 James’s Street, Dublin 8. +353 1 633 9226 / T + 353 1 607 4476 / F volunteer.coordinator@depaulireland.org / E www.depaulireland.org / W
DEPAUL IRELAND VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME
CLANCY NIGHT SHELTER Blessington Street, Dublin
Need In 2001 Dublin had emergency bed spaces targeting the over 35’s and under 18’s but little provision for those between 18 and 35. Accommodation available often excluded drug-users and those with alcohol – related issues due to their challenging behaviour which is deemed unsuitable in a typical hostel setting. As part of the Homeless Agency’s cold weather programme from 2001/2 Clancy Barracks (as it was known then) was set up on a temporary basis and opened in February 2002. It demonstrated a gap in the provision for the most vulnerable people living on the streets. The project is now funded on a long – term basis.
Project aims
To provide low threshold 1 emergency accommodation for young people in Dublin aged 18 to 35 who are sleeping rough. Working within a harm reduction model of engagement to assist people in being able to fulfil their potential to the best of their ability. To provide access to welfare rights advice, health care and other specialist services i.e. mental health services, drug services etc.
Facilities and Services The project is a night shelter opening early evening, 7 days a week and provides free of charge accommodation, in single or twin rooms, and a hot evening meal and breakfast. The project closes at 9 am. Each services user has access to showering facilities, a TV and common room and small locker to keep personal items safe.
Trained project staff offer advice and assistance in linking the service users into other services and day centres, including resettlement services. All service users are appointed a key worker to ensure they can access all the services they require and receive the appropriate support. A care plan is developed between the service user and worker, which is monitored and reviewed. The care plan covers life skills, budgeting, drink harm reduction, detox access and health and mental health support.
Client group The Night shelter provides accommodation to 17 young people who have been rough sleeping. Both singles and couples can access the service, initially being referred from an Outreach worker and then being able to book additional night stays. All of the users have experienced some form of disadvantage. The majority of the young people have previously been excluded from other hostels in the area due to their challenging behaviour or drug use. At this project no one will be turned away. Many are drug users, either intravenous or other, experience some form of mental health issues and have general health issues. Other disadvantages include literacy and numeracy problems. 1 A low threshold hostel is one which targets people usually excluded from services because of their challenging behaviour and which is based on acceptance and minimum rules, regulations and questions.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Volunteer Programme / Sundial House, 140 James’s Street, Dublin 8. +353 1 633 9226 / T + 353 1 607 4476 / F volunteer.coordinator@depaulireland.org / E www.depaulireland.org / W
DEPAUL IRELAND VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME
MEDICAL SERVICES Dublin
Need Within the services offered by the Depaul Ireland there are a significant number of service users who have significant health related issues, including those relating to primary health care, mental health and substance misuse issues. Many of the service users have had difficulty accessing mainstream health services and some are medically non compliant. In recognition of this in 2003 the, then, Health Board funded a general nurses post to cover Depaul Ireland Projects in Dublin. In January 2006 the role was changed to that of a Nurse Manager.
Project aims
To provide medical advice and support to service users within Depaul Ireland Projects. Assess and refer service users to the appropriate mainstream providers. To provide support, advice, information and training to staff with Depaul Ireland Projects. To liaise with other health professionals in the city in order to highlight the issues associated with those who are homeless. To work in partnership with other medical service providers in the ciry who are working specifically with homeless people in order to highlight gaps in service provision and to advocate for change.
The specialist mental health worker provides support to those within the Depaul Ireland Back Lane project, through assessment, support and onward referral. Promotion of the mental health support required by those experiencing homelessness is key to this role. The medical service promotes the principles of harm reduction and will work with those who present as medically non compliant in order to support them, ideally to the point where they will agree to access mainstream services.
Client Group The medical service works with all Depaul Ireland projects in the city of Dublin providing services to those in medical need.
Facilities and services The nurse manger provides clinics and one to one support to service users with the projects. The nurse manager liaises closely with other health professionals within the city and provide a case management service to those who are most in need, medically, within projects. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Volunteer Programme / Sundial House, 140 James’s Street, Dublin 8. +353 1 633 9226 / T + 353 1 607 4476 / F volunteer.coordinator@depaulireland.org / E www.depaulireland.org / W
DEPAUL IRELAND VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME
TUS NUA Women Leaving Prison Project, Dublin
Need Following research and visits to prisons in Dublin by the Guild of St Philip Neri, a St Vincent de Paul conference, an acute need for programmes to assist released prisoners in their transition to independent living in the community was identified. Without effective transitional support there is a high reoffending rate for released prisoners, especially those who are released with no fixed abode. On top of this there has been little attention to the special needs of women prisoners; a group which has increased in recent times.
Project Aims
To prevent re-offending To ensure success in independent living To enable women become reintegrated into the community and society as a whole.
Facilities and Services The project accommodates 6 women in single bedded rooms for up to 12 months. Each room is furnished and contains a fridge and sink. All service users have access to communal rooms. All service users are appointed a key worker to ensure they can access all the services they require and receive the appropriate support. A care plan is developed between the service user and worker, which is monitored and reviewed. The care plan covers life skills, budgeting, alcohol harm reduction, detox access and health and mental health support.
Tús Nua supports women to gain practical skills which enable them to adapt to life after they have left the project.
Client Group The project works with single women between the ages of 17 and 65 years leaving Dochas (Mountjoy Prison for women). The women catered for are those who have been identified as homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. All clients must have a commitment to the project and comply with the programme of support. Those considered a serious risk to the safety or welfare of other residents, staff or neighbours are not considered suitable. The project promotes a drug free environment and alcohol may only be consumed in individual rooms. In some cases where there is a history of alcohol misuse the project reserves the right to include a ‘no-alcohol’ clause.
During the service users stay (a maximum of 12 months) the staff assist in accessing more suitable long-term accommodation. The project provides the time and space during which service users can address the problems which led to their housing crisis and prison sentence. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Volunteer Programme / Sundial House, 140 James’s Street, Dublin 8. +353 1 633 9226 / T + 353 1 607 4476 / F volunteer.coordinator@depaulireland.org / E www.depaulireland.org / W
DEPAUL IRELAND VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME
VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME Dublin and Belfast Need Depaul Ireland has a dedicated professional staff team to deal with the day to day operations of accommodation, training and outreach projects. Staff are responsible for maintaining a professional service and have a heavy workload managing everything from referrals/ resettlement/ training to health and safety. Depaul Ireland values a holistic approach to each individual that we work with and attempts to ensure that emotional as well as practical and physical needs of our client group are met. It is for this reason that Depaul Ireland volunteers play a key role within our projects. Volunteers add to the service that we can provide to our clients, through providing a listening ear, a chat over coffee or organising a trip to a local museum, volunteer enrich and add meaning to the life of our clients. Project aims To ensure that our services meet the multifaceted needs of our clients. To provide new skills and perspectives to clients and volunteers alike To enable volunteers to develop and contribute to all areas of our work To increase contact with the host communities within which we work and which we serve Maintain an independent public presence within our community to help ensure our accountability to the wider community. The Volunteer Programme Depaul Ireland currently hosts 80+ full time and part time volunteers across all of the projects in both Dublin and Belfast. We hope to over the next few years to increase the number of volunteers involved in our services. The volunteer programme provides opportunities for local volunteers to become involved in our services.
It also promotes volunteering to clients using our services, so that they may in turn experience the benefits of volunteering in Ireland and abroad. Full Time Volunteers Depaul Ireland hosts a number of full time volunteers at any time through the European Voluntary Service (EVS). This is a programme which enables young people between the ages of 18 and 30 from Europe the opportunity to live abroad and volunteer in a not for profit based organisation. The contribution that these volunteers make is invaluable. They bring a new cultural dimension to each of our projects and are best placed to develop meaningful occupation activities with our client group. To date full time volunteers are involved in setting up workshops in each projects in areas as diverse as: Photography, music, art and crafts, relaxation, indoor gardening, cinema, women’s/ men’s issues, cards nights, cultural evenings etc. EVS Volunteers also organise trips out of the project whether that be for a coffee around the corner or to the seaside for a picnic on a sunny day. Part Time Volunteers Part time volunteers bring a valuable contribution to the many man and women who use our projects. They bring many skills and expertise to the projects but mostly they bring valuable additional one to one time. Again they are involved in many diverse areas within each service. Volunteers, provide a listening ear, a chat over the paper, a game of pool, or a game of cards, help clients feel valued, feel at home and develop self worth and confidence in themselves. Part time volunteers are also involved in assisting to prepare and serve meals, welcome clients into projects, assist with administration, gardening, music nights, resettlement work. The list is endless and we are indebted to all of our volunteers for the valuable contribution that they bring to our services. We are members of the Volunteer Development Agency (NI) and Volunteering Ireland,
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Volunteer Programme / Sundial House, 140 James’s Street, Dublin 8. +353 1 633 9226 / T + 353 1 607 4476 / F volunteer.coordinator@depaulireland.org / E www.depaulireland.org / W
DEPAUL IRELAND VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME COMMUNITY BEFRIENDING PROGRAMME Dublin
Need Our accommodation services in Dublin have begun to work successfully in moving homeless men and women on to transitional or independent accommodation from the emergency accommodation that we were providing them with. It has become apparent however that the informal social support and the information provision service that staff, volunteers and indeed the other residents at the project provides, often disappears once residents move on from our services. This leads to residents feeling isolated in their new accommodation and local communities and has proven to be a contributing factor why individuals lapse back into homelessness. A huge need identified across all of our services in the last two years has been the additional support that residents need once they move on from our services.
Project aims:
To provide informal support using volunteers to former residents that move to alternative accommodation from our projects. To provide information on appropriate services in the community that former residents may access. To provide a contact point back to the project and a referral agent to appropriate services such as resettlement to facilitate early intervention to prevent the loss of tenancies by former residents.
Facilities and Services A group of volunteers have been recruited and trained to assist residents in the move on process. Residents who wish to avail of this service are allotted one or two members of the community befriending team and will work with the befriending volunteers in identifying what their support needs are. The goals of each resident will be different. Volunteers are involved in all aspects of support, such as (we anticipate some of the goals of the relationship will be):
Preparation for move on – Identifying accommodation, furniture, bedding etc Assistance with life skills – Cookery, Budgeting, Computer skills etc Community Support – Assisting them to familiarise themselves with their new local community and to find the appropriate services to link in with. Informal Social Support – Volunteers support former residents socially through meeting for coffee, cinema, hospital visits, day trips etc.
Client Group Resident who are in the process of moving on to independent accommodation from Back Lane Hostel, Christchurch, Dublin. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Volunteer Programme / Sundial House, 140 James’s Street, Dublin 8. +353 1 633 9226 / T + 353 1 607 4476 / F volunteer.coordinator@depaulireland.org / E www.depaulireland.org / W
DEPAUL IRELAND VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Volunteer Programme / Sundial House, 140 James’s Street, Dublin 8. +353 1 633 9226 / T + 353 1 607 4476 / F volunteer.coordinator@depaulireland.org / E www.depaulireland.org / W