The SNUG
Set up in 1998, by people living and working in the area, the Snug Counselling Service sought to respond to the escalating heroin crisis in the inner city of Dublin at that time. However, over the last 24 years, the context of drug use has changed considerably with a plethora of new drugs emerging and in ready supply. This has happened alongside an unprecedented homelessness crisis in Ireland, the consequences of which are detrimental to many individuals and families availing of the Snug services. The challenge for the Snug has been to respond to emerging and complex needs such as mental health, dual diagnosis, polydrug use and drug and gang related intimidation and crime and to do so in a humane and professional way.
The 2020 worldwide Covid pandemic challenged the traditional way of working. However, the service met it head on and quickly developed innovative ways to support our service users. We remained on site throughout unless government restrictions dictated otherwise. At present we are dealing with the fallout: relapse, increased drug and alcohol use, heightened metal health issues and re-emergence of crack cocaine. As always we endeavour to make every effort possible and continue our core mission to support our service users.
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Vision
That everyone in the local community of North West Inner City Dublin and the North Inner City Drug and Alcohol Task Force Area (NICDATF) area affected by addiction can access quality, timely, non-judgmental –support to reach their full potential.
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Mission
To provide a dedicated counselling service and a range of other services to people and their families in the local community who are affected by addiction
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Values
Support
To support people and their families in the local community who are affected by addiction issues through counselling and other services.
Nurture
To nurture people to reach their full potential. .
Understanding
To provide a safe space of non-judgmental understanding and respect.
Growth
To empower people in their journeys toward personal growth and development.
Aims of Service
As a Service funded by the North Inner City Drug and Alcohol Task Force (NICDATF), our priority is to follow the lead of the Task Force focus on local needs, co-ordination and implementation of the current National Drug Strategy. Our approach through interagency work, community development and social inclusion aims to strengthen the capacity of the Snug to respond to complex needs (2.1.13c of NDS) such as mental health, dual diagnosis, drug/gang related intimidation and murder, drug overdose, homelessness, polydrug use, suicide intervention. These issues have to be carefully considered in our response to dealing with drug and alcohol use. Our priority has always been a public health approach which is now central to the goals, objectives and the strategic actions of the NDS (1.1.1.)