A DOZEN former drug addicts who completed Focus Ireland's residential support programme Step-Down are still drug-free and have moved on from homelessness, a new report has found.
The first report evaluating the Step-Down programme states that, despite some relapses, the 12 former participants and seven clients currently taking part are believed to be drug free. More than half of the 12 former clients are living independently or with family members, while the others are in transitional or supported housing.
The report also found that all those who have completed the programme since it began in George's Hill, Dublin, in September 2005 are now accessing education or training of some kind except for two former clients who are travelling around Australia.
Calling for long-term funding for programmes supporting people who have successfully overcome addiction, Focus Ireland chief executive Joyce Loughnan said Step-Down showed "the type of intensive partnership work needed in order to support the most vulnerable people to stay off drugs, move on from homelessness, and get their lives back on track."
The programme is a joint initiative between homeless agency Focus Ireland, drug rehabilitation project Keltoi and the HSE's Rehabilitation Integration Service.
Ms Loughnan also welcomed the fact that HSE funding for the programme has been allocated for this year but warned that, as highlighted in the report, access to suitable permanent accommodation for people who complete the programme was a major concern.
Brendan McKernan, manager of hospital-based service Keltoi, said the need for the programme was identified in 2004 when it became clear that many people who had gone through rehab had no ongoing access to a safe and secure environment.
He cited two former Keltoi clients who overdosed and died in BB accommodation after leaving treatment before Step-Down was established.
As part of the programme, participants attend day-care services at George's Hill or facilities such as Coolmine or Soilse at Merchant's Quay.
They also take part in groups, one-to-one counselling and courses designed to equip them with skills for independent living.
A number of former clients of Step-Down attended the launch of the evaluation report including one client who said the support programme was essential.
"You come out of rehab and most times you have nowhere to go," he said. "Step Down gives you a place to go at a crucial time. It's a life and death thing, this programme saves lives".
Rising up from rock bottom: Being There, page 19
