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Strengthening families

The Blanchardstown Local Drugs Task Force (BLDTF) has been at the forefront of education and prevention work in Dublin 15 since their inception in 1997 and the last 12 months have certainly been no exception. Bríd Walsh

As part of its ongoing commitment to providing essential and evidence-based interventions for the huge youth population in the area, the Task Force recently started its new ‘Strengthening Families’ programme. This is a unique programme that originated in America and is now successfully working in a number of locations in Ireland.

The programme runs over 14 weeks and works with all of the family, not just parents or children. According to BLTDF co-ordinator Bríd Walsh, “the programme is all about life skills and focuses on building on strengths and communication. Here in Blanchardstown it is the culmination of a huge collaborative work which was driven by the Task Force’s education co-ordinator, Ciara Jubani who co-trained 75 workers from 20 different services including the youth services, community groups and family support groups last year.

“The Task Force is delighted that these 12 local families comprising 50 family members are involved in the pilot programme which is being co-ordinated in partnership with the Blanchardstown Youth Service. This will continue to be an essential part of their commitment to early intervention,” she said.

Since last year the Task Force has established an under 18’s services group which is a collaboration of agencies and organisations including those who have key roles in the delivery of youth work services in the Blanchardstown area.

“This group is a cross cutting interagency group with a primary remit to monitor the implementation of the Blanchardstown harm reduction strategy for under 18s. Already there have been a number outcomes including the soon to be launched under 18’s referral guide which will provide valuable information on the many services in the area,” said Bríd.

Another initiative due to start soon is CrossCare's Teen Counselling Service which will be established in Blanchardstown Village and will provide a much needed service to young people and their families.

Anyone seeking further information on these and other BLTDF services can contact the Blanchardstown Local Drugs Task Force Team (tel. 01 824 9590).

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