History

In the late 1980s, informal links were developed between the voluntary drug treatment services in Ireland as a response to the large increase of heroin use and associated harms, such as the rise in HIV and AIDS. Around this time, the voluntary sector lobbied for funding to set up their own network with a coordinator, to include the Dublin-based drugs services (the Voluntary Drug Treatment Network) in collaboration with the Addiction Treatment Centres of Ireland (ATCI). This combined group held a joint conference in Mullingar in 1992, where a collective approach was agreed. As austerity measures took foot during the recession, funding was cut in 2007. However, the network remained active, with a national steering group in place since 2008. The combined group continued to lobby for funding to develop the network, which was reinstated in 2019.

About the NVDAS

The NVDAS is an umbrella organisation for agencies in the Voluntary Sector that provide Tier 1-4 drug and alcohol addiction services. The role of the NVDAS is to:

• Raise the visibility of the sector and highlight the depth and breadth of service provision

• Provide representation for the voluntary drug and alcohol sector

• Influence policy

• Identify gaps, needs and trends and facilitate a coordinated response to those

• Promote best practice

• Share experiences, information, knowledge and examples of best practice

NVDAS Membership

Any organisation that provides Tier 1-4 drug and alcohol addiction services in the voluntary sector can apply to become a member of the Forum. Find current members on the google map or in the Services Directory. While some organisations are members of regional clusters or the Addiction Treatment Centres Ireland, other members are not. We aim to build a regional network of clusters across all of Ireland in the near future.

Voluntary Sector Representation

The current Voluntary Sector representatives are:

National Oversight Committee: Pauline McKeown (Coolmine Therapeutic Community)

Research Sub-committee: Mick Devine (Tabor Group)

Emerging Trends Warning Committee: Dawn Russell (Ana Liffey Drug Project)

Emerging Trends and Early Drug Checking Working Group: Paul Delaney (Cornmarket Project)

Task Force Handbook Working Group: Maria Finn (Clondalkin Addiction Support Project)

DEASP Drugs Rehabilitation Programme (DRP) Stakeholders Group:

Oversight Committee for the Drug-related Intimidation & Violence Engagement Project: Joe Slattery (Northstar Family Support Project)