08 July 2016

Minister for State for Communities and the National Drug Strategy, Catherine Byrne TD, has officially launched a new €1million detox service and treatment centre refurbishment in Co. Tipperary. Aiséirí’s four bed residential detoxification centre, which is one of just a handful of such centres in Ireland, was officially opened today, Friday, July 8th, in Cahir.

The investment was part-funded by a significant, generous and much-needed donation from The J.P.McManus Charitable Foundation along with the HSE. The new high-quality residential centre, which will be staffed by a multidisciplinary team of professionals, will be open to self, family, GP, other voluntary and statutory agencies  referrals for people who want to overcome their substance dependency and begin their road to recovery.

Aiséirí, founded by the Sisters of Mercy, is a registered charity that provides evidence-based detoxification, treatment and rehabilitation programmes for adults and adolescents suffering from addiction. Detoxification is the first and challenging step before treatment can begin and can be a real barrier for many to accessing treatment. The new detoxification facility, which is integrated fully into the rehabilitation programme, will allow clients to manage their withdrawals safely, with the expert and 24 hour care of professionals, and allow for the seamless transition between detoxification and rehabilitation treatment.

Today’s launch also celebrates  the refurbishment of Aiséirí’s overall service, which for over 30 years, has been providing high quality residential and addiction treatment for adults and adolescents. According to Paul Conlon, CEO of Aiséirí, the new centre would not have been possible without the generous donation from The JP McManus Charitable Foundation.

“We’d like to thank The JP McManus Charitable Foundation  from the bottom of our hearts, as without this generous donation, this new and badly-needed centre would not have been possible. We also would like to thank the HSE for their financial contribution to the provision of the detoxification element of this programme. Their support has also been crucial

“There has been a lack of accessible residential detox services in Ireland, as well as vitally needed funding to provide addiction care and treatment. This is why we are so grateful for philanthropic donations such as that which has brought this centre to fruition. We passionately believe this centre will have a life changing positive effect on many people who so desperately struggle with substance addiction, not to mention their families and the wider community.”

John Murphy, a former client of Aiséirí who is now a volunteer client coordinator helping the service’s recovery experience for clients, explained the importance of such centres and supports for patients and their families:

“For over 35 years I worked, drank and raised my family, in that order.  I did hit rock bottom -  it came and hit me in the face. Aiséirí means resurrection and my life truly began again when I entered the gates of this centre.  Aiséirí helped me rebuild my marriage, and the freedom and happiness now being realised by me, is truly down to  Aiséirí. ”

For more information contact Aiséirí on 0527441166 or visit www.aiseiri.ie