Minister visits Waterford recovery service

Minister Colm Burke recently visited Aiséirí, Waterford’s continuum of recovery services.

Aiséirí Waterford’s recovery services have been established and enhanced for over 20 years. 

There is a growing recovery community in Waterford making it a best placed ‘Inclusive Recovery City’. 

The team at Aiséirí gave Minister Burke an insight into addiction, treatment, recovery, and the many challenges faced by treatment centres nationwide.

Minister Burke heard three services users speak about their journey through the services and into strong recovery. 

As Minister of State at the Department of Health, Minister Burke also has special responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy.

With that part of his remit it made his visit to the Aiséirí, to understand the problem of addiction and the solution they offer, significant.

Minister Burke recently announced funding to drug services for women with complex needs in efforts to reduce drug-related harms and premature deaths among this group. Aiséirí Waterford has submitted an application for this funding.

Mary Hennessy, CEO Aiséirí commented: “It was terrific to have Minister Burke visit Aiséirí Waterford to gain a greater understanding of the problem and the solution. 

"Of course, I am referring to the problem and solution of addiction in the first instance, but also the many challenges and substantial gaps particularly in relation to funding that we face at Aiséirí annually. There is a simple solution to them too. 

"It would enable us to help even more people to achieve long term recovery, to live meaningful lives and give back to society once again. 

"We are hopeful that our continuum of services currently in existence and the future development of Aiséirí Waterford will be favourably supported.”