Ballymun Case Management Team
Over the last few years several of the agencies working within the Ballymun area have identified significant needs for supported services reaching out to those who have a history of alcohol misuse.
The ‘Ballymun Homeless Action Plan’ (2003), highlighted the risks faced by people with alcohol addiction issues losing tenancies due to complete lack of support services in the area. It recommended that an outreach-based service (floating support) needed to be developed. In addition to this, a report carried out in 1999 by the Homeless Initiative called ‘Under Dublin’s Neon Lights’ recognised the need for residential and day services for this client group.
As a result of this research, Ballymun Case Management Team (BCMT) was established for a pilot period of 18 months starting in October 2005. Since this time, the service has grown and continues to be an essential support to the people in Ballymun with alcohol related issues.
AIMS
- To assess the needs of people and their families in Ballymun, in their homes and on the streets, who have alcohol misuse issues. This includes people who may have related poly-substance use issues and/or related mental or physical health, social and economic issues. This also includes chaotic clients who are excluded from services and minority groups.
- To provide a floating support service to those people assessed as appropriate to the service or to provide onward referral to more relevant service providers.
- To be involved in the strategic direction of alcohol support services in Ballymun and to direct future services for people who are affected by alcohol related issues.
FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Based from an office in one of the existing tower flats in Ballymun the projects engages with people in the community either in their flats or on the streets, wherever their home is. The small team divides their time between street outreach, and one-to-one support sessions. Their support includes; tenancy sustainment initiatives, independent living support, advocation around alcohol related needs in local networks and collating evidence based research on this client group.
The BCMT works closely in partnership with other agencies statutory and voluntary providers working in Ballymun.
Target GROUP
Residents in the Ballymun area, people who have problem alcohol use and those who may be experiencing problems with homelessness or insecure housing. The project works with male and females and singles and families.
Service users may often be homeless or at risk of being homeless due to challenging behaviour as a result of their alcohol misuse, thus accessing much needed services can be difficult. BCMT works with external groups to enable them to more effectively support people with alcohol needs in both community and mainstream services.
Publications
In November 2007 BCMT produced and published an action based research report on the needs presenting in Ballymun. To view and/or download the document see our Publications page.
Location
