Stella Maris
Modelled on the Depaul Ireland's Aungier Street (Orchid House) project in Dublin the Depaul Ireland opened the Stella Maris project in conjunction with Helm Housing Association in September 2005. This project was opened based on the dual principles of harm reduction and low threshold working, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.
PROJECT AIMS
- To provide 24/7 support to long term street drinkers, working to the principles of harm reduction and low threshold working;
- 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 support;
- To identify move-on opportunities for the client group.
FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Service users are appointed a key worker to ensure they can access all the services they require and receive the appropriate support. A support plan is developed between the service user and worker, which is regularly monitored and reviewed. The support plan, based on the Outcome Star Process, covers emotional and mental health, physical health, motivation and taking responsibility, managing money, social networks and relationships, offending, meaningful use of time, self care, living skills and alcohol/drug misuse. Specialist support is made available by visiting services from GP's and nurses.
Art therapy, music therapy and gardening classes are among the many activities provided to service users of the project. Service users are actively involved in the day to day activities of the project, including planning of outings and meal plans.
Stella Maris also provides a befriending scheme, staffed by volunteers, for people who have been resettled or who are about to be resettled in the community.
TARGET 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 self-esteem. The project will accept both men and women over the age of 18. The average age of residents is mid 40s.
LOCATION
