Dublin Simon Community has opened a respite unit in the capital aimed at supporting some of the city's most vulnerable homeless people.
The eight-bed unit near Usher’s Island will provide a garden, quiet room and access to therapies for people experiencing homelessness.
The charity says there is a growing need for services to help homeless people with substance abuse and health problems. “This is a safe, comfortable, professional unit where clients can work towards stabilising their health and lifestyle in a supportive environment,” said Majella Darcy of Dublin Simon Community.
A recent health survey of the charity’s clients shows most homeless people have at least one diagnosed mental health problem, while significant numbers have drug or alcohol problems.
Members of staff from The Irish Times recently volunteered for a "room to improve" project to decorate a garden area and therapy room in the unit.
Pictured are volunteers Ciarán Hancock, Colum Dunne, Tim O’Brien, Pier Wall, Edel Morgan and Kate Connellan.
The Simon Community is a nominated charity partner of The Irish Times. The charity is seeking volunteers to help out in activities such as soup runs and outreach work.
Further information is available at dubsimon.ie.