Tus Nua Apartments
Tus Nua Apartments is funded through the probation service and works in close partnership with the SVP and Dochas prison services in delivering the accommodation and support programme.
It opened as a result of research and visits to prisons in Dublin by the Guild of St Philip Neri, a St Vincent de Paul conference, which recognised an acute need for programmes to assist released prisoners in their transition to independent living in the community. They also noted that without effective transitional support there is a high re-offending rate for released prisoners, especially those who are homeless or at risk of being homeless upon release.
MISSION
To provide women, on leaving Dochas, with safe housing and a positive environment.
PROJECT AIMS
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To prevent the risk of service users re-offending by recognising your short-term and long-term needs on leaving Dochas;
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To provide service users with life-skills and opportunities, which can assist them to live independently;
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To encourage service users to take a positive role in their community;
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To challenge and address the barriers faced by women leaving prison.
FACILITIES AND SERVICES
The project accommodates 6 women in single bedded rooms for up to 12 months. Each room is furnished and contains a kitchenette. All service users have access to communal space and the garden.
All service users are appointed a key worker. Together they identify a care plan for their stay which covers life skills, budgeting, alcohol harm reduction, detox access and health and mental health support.
During the service user's stay (a maximum of 12 months) the staff assist in accessing more suitable long-term accommodation. The project provides the time and space during which service users can address the problems which led to their housing crisis and prison sentence.
The staff and volunteers support women to gain practical skills which enable them to adapt to life after they have left the project.
TARGET GROUP
The project works with single women between the ages of 17 and 65 years leaving Dochas (ex- Mountjoy for women). The women catered for are those who have been identified as homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. All service users must have a commitment to the project and be compliant with the programme of support. The project is designed to work with women with low, medium and high support needs. Those considered a serious risk to the safety or welfare of other residents, staff or neighbours are not considered suitable.
Tus Nua Annual Report 2009
Click here to view Tus Nua's Annual Report 2009 online.
