Survive and Thrive

Survive and Thrive episode 6 – Seeds of change from a wild garden

[https://nearcast.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/mother-women.png] In the latest episode of the Survive & Thrive Podcast Series, we are given an invaluable and privileged insight into stories of mother-women in recovery. Following the launch of a very unique piece of research in May 2025, “Mothers in Addiction Recovery Rising: The Will And the Way” https://www.tcd.ie/media/tcd/nursing-midwifery/pdfs/Mothers-Rising-Online-final.pdf [https://www.tcd.ie/media/tcd/nursing-midwifery/pdfs/Mothers-Rising-Online-final.pdf] we were invited to a subsequent special event, as part of recovery month, celebrating the voices and experiences of mothers in recovery. The event which took place at the Institute of Population Health, Trinity College Dublin, Russell Centre, Tallaght, saw the launch of a new publication: Seeds of Change from a Wild Garden: Letters and Stories of Mother-Women in Recovery. https://www.tcd.ie/media/tcd/nursing-midwifery/pdfs/Seeds_of_Change-final-online-report.pdf [https://www.tcd.ie/media/tcd/nursing-midwifery/pdfs/Seeds_of_Change-final-online-report.pdf] The event more than achieved its aims: * To bring light to the challenges, struggles, and strengths of mothers in recovery * To invite dialogue on how we might better support and celebrate their journeys. It was a very special event and Tallaght Drugs & Alcohol Task Force, was honoured to be invited and felt humbled in the presence of such trojan women, sharing truly inspirational stories of strength, resilience, recovery and hope. Sincere thanks to Louise and her coauthors for allowing us to create a podcast, so that these extremely personal and invaluable stories can be shared – to educate, reduce stigma, influence drugs policy and most importantly, encourage behavioral & attitudinal change as well as genuine empathy and understanding Speakers at the event included: Our six Mother Women authors and Curator: Louise McCulloch; GP: Dr. Garret McGovern; Sarah Cummins – Manager, Barnardos Lorien Project and Anita Harris – Deputy Head of Services,  Coolmine. About this series – Tallaght Local Drugs & Alcohol Task Force (TDATF) presents “Survive & Thrive”, a podcast which aims to empower and give voice to individuals, families and communities impacted by substance misuse.  Through this podcast we also want to promote these addiction support services, reduce stigma associated with substance misuse and hopefully encourage anyone isolated to take that first step in asking for help. Yes, there are many stories of poverty, suffering and trauma in our communities, as a result of drugs & alcohol misuse; but there are also stories of great resilience, hope and support.  Lived experience is extremely valuable in shaping the work we do as a Task Force and that of our amazing frontline community drug services.  Tallaght Local Drugs & Alcohol Task Force was set up in 1997 to facilitate a more effective response to substance misuse, in the communities of Tallaght and Whitechurch. For more visit https://tallaghtdatf.ie/ [https://tallaghtdatf.ie/] The post Survive and Thrive episode 6 – Seeds of change from a wild garden [https://nearcast.ie/survive-and-thrive-episode-6-seeds-from-a-wild-garden/] first appeared on Nearcast [https://nearcast.ie].

Survive and Thrive episode 5 – Connect 4 Project

[https://nearcast.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1000009139-1.jpg] In the latest episode of Survive and Thrive podcast, Rob Whiteley, team leader with the Connect 4 project takes us on a journey through the activities run by the project in the communities of Jobstown and Killinarden. [https://nearcast.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1000010909-768x1024.jpg] The Connect 4 Project focuses on detached youth work, a distinctive form of outreach that specifically engages the most at-risk and marginalized young individuals, aged between 10 and 24 years. Unlike traditional youth work settings, the Connect 4 Project operates directly on the streets of West Tallaght, Killinarden, and Jobstown, reaching out to vulnerable youth in their natural environments to provide essential support and assistance. In this podcast, Rob meets participants who take part in the Friday night football, gym sessions and running groups and we hear directly from the young people of what the project means to them More information can be found at:  https://sdcpartnership.ie/connect-4-project/ [https://scanner.topsec.com/?d=205&r=show&u=https%3A%2F%2Fsdcpartnership.ie%2Fconnect-4-project%2F&t=2605adb666f49fa9a84d397733d3fe23e8677921]  About this series – Tallaght Local Drugs & Alcohol Task Force (TDATF) presents “Survive & Thrive”, a podcast which aims to empower and give voice to individuals, families and communities impacted by substance misuse.  Through this podcast we also want to promote these addiction support services, reduce stigma associated with substance misuse and hopefully encourage anyone isolated to take that first step in asking for help. Yes, there are many stories of poverty, suffering and trauma in our communities, as a result of drugs & alcohol misuse; but there are also stories of great resilience, hope and support.  Lived experience is extremely valuable in shaping the work we do as a Task Force and that of our amazing frontline community drug services.  Tallaght Local Drugs & Alcohol Task Force was set up in 1997 to facilitate a more effective response to substance misuse, in the communities of Tallaght and Whitechurch. For more visit https://tallaghtdatf.ie/ [https://tallaghtdatf.ie/] The post Survive and Thrive episode 5 – Connect 4 Project [https://nearcast.ie/survive-and-thrive-episode-5-connect-4-project/] first appeared on Nearcast [https://nearcast.ie].

Survive and Thrive episode 4 – #KicktheVape

[https://nearcast.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1000005337-1024x628.jpg]Grace Hill with Paul Perth (Connect 4) In recent years, the number of people vaping has increased and the potential impact on health is a cause for concern.  With a view to creating awareness of potential health risks associated with vaping, TDATF in partnership with key stakeholders*, have developed several resources to inform and support. [https://nearcast.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1000005338-1024x547.jpg]Grace Hill with Prof. Bobby Smyth (Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist) This podcast episode forms part of our vaping awareness campaign, highlighting how vaping can be harmful to your lung health, mental health, financial health as well as the environment.  More information can be found at:  www.tallaghdatf.ie [http://www.tallaghdatf.ie] and www.clondalkindrugstaskforce.ie [http://www.clondalkindrugstaskforce.ie] Many thanks to contributors on this episode: Paul Perth (Connect 4), Prof. Bobby Smyth (Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist), Alan McDonnell (Slaintecare Healthy Communities) [https://nearcast.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1000005341-1024x648.jpg]Grace Hill with Alan McDonnell (Slaintecare Healthy Communities) *Campaign Key Stakeholders: South Dublin County Partnership, Clondalkin Local Drugs & Alcohol Task Force, HSE & Slaintecare Healthy Communities #kickthevape About this series – Tallaght Local Drugs & Alcohol Task Force (TDATF) presents “Survive & Thrive”, a podcast which aims to empower and give voice to individuals, families and communities impacted by substance misuse.  Through this podcast we also want to promote these addiction support services, reduce stigma associated with substance misuse and hopefully encourage anyone isolated to take that first step in asking for help. Yes, there are many stories of poverty, suffering and trauma in our communities, as a result of drugs & alcohol misuse; but there are also stories of great resilience, hope and support.  Lived experience is extremely valuable in shaping the work we do as a Task Force and that of our amazing frontline community drug services.  Tallaght Local Drugs & Alcohol Task Force was set up in 1997 to facilitate a more effective response to substance misuse, in the communities of Tallaght and Whitechurch. For more visit https://tallaghtdatf.ie/ [https://tallaghtdatf.ie/] The post Survive and Thrive episode 4 – #KicktheVape [https://nearcast.ie/survive-and-thrive-episode-3-kickthevape/] first appeared on Nearcast [https://nearcast.ie].

Survive and Thrive episode 3 – Recovery Walk

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF RECOVERY 2024 A look back at a very special day in our calendar of recovery events, and bringing to a close an extremely busy but worthwhile month of recovery activities. We really hope you enjoy this episode, we feel it captures the essence of what recovery month is all about, coming together to inform, listen, support, reduce stigma and celebrate.  #recoveryispossible  [https://nearcast.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1000007472-768x1024.jpg] On Monday September 30th, 2024, we marked International Recovery Day and the end of remarkably busy recovery month, in the company of colleagues, friends, community representatives and service users. What has now become our annual recovery walk, started in Fettercairn Community & Youth Centre, home also of Tallaght Addiction Support Project. We walked together in solidarity and in pouring rain which only strengthened our message that recovery is possible, and change is possible, no matter what challenges you face, Irish weather included! The walk concluded at JADD (Jobstown Assisting Drug Dependency), and everyone gathered in the adjacent Jobstown Community Centre for lunch, information, and networking. It was an incredibly special day, with special guests including Mayor of South Dublin County, Baby Pereppadan who started our walk as well as Tallaght native and comedian Al Porter, who was very generous on the day, in sharing details of his own recovery Journey. It was an amazing day indeed, luckily, we had the record button on throughout, to capture some of the magic. Please have a listen and let us know how we did, if you like it, please share with your family and friends. [https://nearcast.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1000007512-768x1024.jpg] [https://nearcast.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1000007403-1024x768.jpg] Sincere thanks to everyone who spoke to us on the day and anyone who contributed to our recovery month events in any way, big or small. In doing so, you have helped to reduce stigma facing individuals and families impacted by substance misuse in our communities, you have also helped us to spread the key messages that supports are available through our amazing community drug services and that #recoveryispossible, for anyone who wants it. About this series – Tallaght Local Drugs & Alcohol Task Force (TDATF) presents “Survive & Thrive”, a podcast which aims to empower and give voice to individuals, families and communities impacted by substance misuse.  Through this podcast we also want to promote these addiction support services, reduce stigma associated with substance misuse and hopefully encourage anyone isolated to take that first step in asking for help. Yes, there are many stories of poverty, suffering and trauma in our communities, as a result of drugs & alcohol misuse; but there are also stories of great resilience, hope and support.  Lived experience is extremely valuable in shaping the work we do as a Task Force and that of our amazing frontline community drug services.  Tallaght Local Drugs & Alcohol Task Force was set up in 1997 to facilitate a more effective response to substance misuse, in the communities of Tallaght and Whitechurch. For more visit https://tallaghtdatf.ie/ [https://tallaghtdatf.ie/] The post Survive and Thrive episode 3 – Recovery Walk [https://nearcast.ie/survive-and-thrive-episode-3-recovery-walk/] first appeared on Nearcast [https://nearcast.ie].

Survive and Thrive episode 2 – Soul Sisters

As part of International Women’s Day Celebrations in March 2024, Tallaght Local Drugs & Alcohol Task Force (TDATF) recorded this episode of their Survive & Thrive podcast series, with members of the Soul Sisters Aftercare group in Tallaght Rehabilitation Project.  Group facilitators Donna and Vanessa [https://nearcast.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/surviveandthriveEp2.png] The ‘Soul Sisters’ meet every Friday evening in Kiltalown House, the home of Tallaght Rehabilitation Project in Jobstown. Group facilitators Donna and Vanessa have created a gender specific space that’s clearly welcoming, inclusive, therapeutic, and fun. This episode provides an insight into the value of peer support and the importance of aftercare for relapse prevention and connection. Female clients accessing this group feel empowered and supported amongst other women, and very much appreciate the opportunity to avail of a community-based aftercare service, in a space that’s safe and familiar.  Tallaght Supports Recovery Banner [https://nearcast.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/recovery-banner.png] www.tallaghtrehabproject.ie [http://www.tallaghtrehabproject.ie]    ph.  01 459 7705 About this series – Tallaght Local Drugs & Alcohol Task Force (TDATF) presents “Survive & Thrive”, a podcast which aims to empower and give voice to individuals, families and communities impacted by substance misuse.  Through this podcast we also want to promote these addiction support services, reduce stigma associated with substance misuse and hopefully encourage anyone isolated to take that first step in asking for help. Yes, there are many stories of poverty, suffering and trauma in our communities, as a result of drugs & alcohol misuse; but there are also stories of great resilience, hope and support.  Lived experience is extremely valuable in shaping the work we do as a Task Force and that of our amazing frontline community drug services.  Tallaght Local Drugs & Alcohol Task Force was set up in 1997 to facilitate a more effective response to substance misuse, in the communities of Tallaght and Whitechurch. For more visit https://tallaghtdatf.ie/ [https://tallaghtdatf.ie/] The post Survive and Thrive episode 2 – Soul Sisters [https://nearcast.ie/survive-and-thrive-episode-2-soul-sisters/] first appeared on Nearcast [https://nearcast.ie].