A vital boost to supports for Laois people struggling with or recovering from addiction has been announced, with the news that Laois Partnership Company (LPC) is offering a training course in Community Addiction Studies.
The new course, a level 5 module that will be delivered over 18 weeks at the LPC headquarters in Portlaoise, will equip learners with the knowledge and skills required to engage effectively with the issues and impacts of addiction in communities.
The announcement that funding has been secured for the delivery of this important training was made at a special event held to celebrate the first year of the Arc Project, a voluntary group dedicated to helping individuals with addiction issues, their families, and the wider community.
Co-founder, David Delaney explained that the Arc Project began life as a pilot programme supported by LPC, which has grown to meet the needs of the county.
“Arc was a story, a sense that something vital was missing here in Laois.
“We knew that people were falling between the cracks due to overstretched services, so we wanted to build a place where people could be seen and heard,” said David.
He told the audience that over the past 12 months, “seeds have been planted and grown into stories”, with an emphasis on helping people to find community, creativity, and connection.
“We’ve shared stories, we’ve shared tears, fun, and laughter, and helped people to believe again, to believe in the power of recovery, and to believe in themselves and each other.”
He said that the Arc Project does not replace professional services so much as fill “the space between them” by providing a “human space” where a connection can take place.
The project, which is completely voluntary, offers one-on-one care support, weekly family support meetings, and education.
David’s colleague and Arc Project co-founder, Michelle Robertson explained that the focus is on “addiction, recovery and community”.
“Looking around the room, I see stories: stories of loss, stories of love, stories of courage, hope, and people who have decided to show up with themselves and with each other,” said Michelle.
She added that the aim is to make sure families have somewhere to turn, where they can find support, understanding and connection.
“It’s been beautiful, messy and real, but it’s only the start of it,” Michelle said of the project’s first year.
CEO of Laois Partnership Company Caroline Lydon said that the company is delighted to support the Arc Project through its Social Inclusion & Community Activation Programme (SICAP).
“An important part of the project is that it’s not about duplicating services, it’s about joining the dots for people and showing them where the support can be.
“A lot of the time the support can be in a room like this, with people who have a shared experience,” she said.
Eimear Kelly, Community Development Officer with LPC’s SICAP team, enthused that the Arc Project adheres to the LPC mission statement of “making Laois a better place to live”.
“To move with recovery, education is so important, and we are thankfully able to announce that we are going to run a Community Addiction Studies module level 5 starting in November,” said Eimear.
“Education is key for families, for people in recovery, and for people who are on the cusp of trying to get help.
“Hopefully, this course will lead a pathway allowing people to avail of progression along the route of addiction studies.”
For more details about the Community Addiction Studies course, which begins on Thursday, November 6, contact info@laoispartnership.ie, 05786 61900
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