Latest news with #Tiglin
Irish Independent
03-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Wicklow charitymarks 15 years as annual report highlights ‘helping homeless with dignity'
Senator Aubrey McCarthy marked the milestone with a reminder of how 'a small group of us came together to create an organisation dedicated to helping those facing addiction and homelessness with dignity', and described 2024 as 'both busy and impactful'. In his message, he pointed to huge challenges in the early part of the year, when, in February, the demand for homeless services surged at Tiglin's Lighthouse homeless café, in Dublin. "Despite limited resources, the team persevered, distributing essentials to those in need,' he said. He was rewarded personally for his endeavours when he was bestowed with the Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year award, in May, something he modestly described as a 'true team effort'. This was followed in June, when he was 'both surprised and delighted' to be presented with the RDS Lifetime Achievement Award. From a challenging start, the year ended on a hugely positive note, with the organisation benefitting from a €1.4m grant to enhance women's recovery facilities, in September, followed by the October purchase of the Loreto convent in Bray. CEO Phil Thompson called the acquisition of the Bray facility 'remarkable', and noted how the site, currently home to around 40 Ukrainian nationals, 'opens new possibilities for Tiglin to address housing and healthcare needs for vulnerable populations'. "Looking ahead, we are excited to collaborate with Wicklow County Council and other state bodies to unlock the full potential of this site,' he said. The event, on Thursday, May 22, was hosted by Senator McCarthy, who was recently appointed to the Oireachtas Committee on Housing and Local Government, and showcased the charity's impactful and life-changing work across the country. The report itself outlines a year of intense activity and growing need. In 2024 alone, Tiglin's frontline Lighthouse Café served over 100,000 hot meals – an indicator of the deepening crisis of homelessness and hardship in Ireland. Social Care in Action brought together members of the Oireachtas, frontline workers, service users, and supporters. It offered a rare opportunity for policymakers to hear directly from those working on, and affected by, the realities of Ireland's social care landscape. A central theme was the role of lived experience in shaping effective national policy, particularly in the areas of addiction recovery, housing, and reintegration. ADVERTISEMENT Among the speakers were Tiglin graduates Paul and Nicola, who shared powerful personal stories of transformation. Nicola reflected on her past. 'My main goal for the day used to be just to drink. That was it. And saying it now, it's heartbreaking,' she said. Nicola was a participant in RTE's riveting three-part documentary in April, Hooked, hosted by Dr Brian Pennie. She was in the latter stages of treatment for alcohol addiction at Tiglin's Women's Centre in Greystones, and recounted how her days were shaped by addiction. These days, as part of Tiglin's reintegration programme, she's working in the bakery at the Rise coffee shop, while studying and slowly rebuilding herself as she strives to 'dip back into reality and to life'. Meanwhile, Paul, who also spoke at the launch, described how his life has too changed: 'Right now, in the community, I'm not 'Paul the addict' anymore,' he said. 'I'm just Paul. People don't know my past unless I tell them. And for the first time, I see a future – one where I give back and help others find their way too.' Today, Tiglin operates across seven locations, offering rehabilitation, supported housing, education, youth outreach, and community employment programmes. All of its work is grounded in a holistic, person-centred approach of restoration and dignity. The 2024 Annual Report highlights some remarkable outcomes for the organisation, including:
The Journal
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Journal
Brendan Gleeson and Johnny Sexton among those honoured with Lord Mayor's Awards
BRENDAN GLEESON AND Johnny Sexton are among those who have this evening been awarded with Lord Mayor's awards in Dublin. Seven awards were presented by Dublin's Lord Mayor Emma Blain this evening at the Mansion House. The awards have been presented annually since 1989. 'These awards are a chance for me to say thank you, on behalf of all the citizens of Dublin, to some people who have made a real difference to the social fabric of life in our city,' Blain said. 'Some of the award recipients will be well known to many of us, others not so. However, they are all very worthy of this award and I am delighted to be able to honour them in this way.' Gleeson was given an award in recognition of his 'outstanding achievements' in acting and social justice, while Sexton received his for his achievements in rugby. Athlete Rhasidat Adeleke received an award for her achievements in athletics and 'inspiring a new generation of female athletes'. Brendan Gleeson with the Lord Mayor, Emma Blain and his award in recognition of his outstanding achievements in acting and social justice. Leah Farrell / © Leah Farrell / © / © Identical twins Allen and Jay Bobinac were given an award for their voluntary service to the people of Dublin and their 'dedication to helping the homeless in our city'. Advertisement The brothers, originally from Croatian island Krk, began their time in Ireland sleeping rough and with the help of homeless charity Tiglin have gone on to graduate with masters' degrees in Social Care. A posthumous award was given to Isobel Henderson, who passed away earlier this month. She was previously the Vice President of the Girls' Brigade Ireland , which has been described as a 'international, interdenominational youth organisation which strives to help girls develop new skills, knowledge and confidence in a safe and fun environment'. She was given the award as a result of her 'outstanding service and unwavering dedication' to the organisation. Team Power of 1 were given an award in recognition of their achievement in the World's Toughest Row. The team rowed 5,000km across the Atlantic in memory of Saoirse O'Driscoll to raise funds and awareness for Heart Children Ireland and Children's Heart Centre. Saoirse passed away as a result of congenital heart disease at the age of 13 in April 2024. The team have continued on her legacy by raising awareness of the disease and stressing the importance of organ donation. Bryan Murray and Una Crawford O'Brien pictured at the launch of the 30th anniversary of Alzheimer's Tea Day in March 2024. Sasko Lazarov / © Photocall Ireland Sasko Lazarov / © Photocall Ireland / © Photocall Ireland Actors Bryan Murray and Úna Crawford O'Brien are known for their roles in Fair City. They were given an award in recognition of their 'outstanding contribution to the arts, on stage and on screen and for raising awareness of dementia'. Bryan was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease six years ago at the age of 69. His longtime partner Úna has been involved with Alzheimer Society of Ireland and has been behind several initiatives to raise awareness of the disease. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Independent
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Brendan Gleeson, Johnny Sexton and Rhasidat Adeleke among those presented with Dublin Lord Mayor's Awards
Every year since 1989, the awards have been presented to highlight a range of achievements by both individuals and groups. Gleeson has received the award 'in recognition of his outstanding achievements in acting and social justice' and was presented with his award at a ceremony in Dublin's Mansion House on Friday evening. Adekele was presented with the award 'in recognition of her achievements in athletics and her role in inspiring a new generation of young female athletes'. Sexton has been given the award to recognise his 'outstanding achievements' as a rugby player. 'These awards are a chance for me to say thank you, on behalf of all the citizens of Dublin, to some people who have made a real difference to the social fabric of life in our city,' Dublin Lord Mayor Emma Blaine said. 'Some of the award recipients will be well known to many of us, others not s. However, they are all worthy of this award and I am delighted to be able to honour them in this way.' Isobel Henderson was announced as a posthumous recipient of the Lord Mayor's Award for her work with the Girls' Brigade Ireland, a youth organisation founded in Dublin in 1893. Ms Henderson, who died unexpectedly earlier this month, was a former vice president of the organisation and served as a member of its national board. Also receiving the award is Team Power of 1, a team of five fathers who together rowed 5,000km across the Atlantic in memory of Saoirse O'Driscoll, a 13-year-old girl who died after a long battle with congenital heart disease. Her father John, alongside teammates Conor McCarthy, Daragh Kelly, Enda McNicholas, and Roger McMorrow, raised more than €420,000 for the Children's Heart Centre, Crumlin and Heart Children Ireland. Twin brothers Allen and Jay Bobinac received the award to mark their work helping homeless people in Dublin. Having arrived to Ireland from Croatia in 2016, the pair slept rough in Dublin and accessed the services of homeless charity Tiglin. Allen helps now run the Lighthouse cafe on Pearse Street, which is operated by Tiglin, while Jay works for the charity's communications department. Actors and husband and wife Bryan Murray and Úna Crawford O'Brien have been given the award for their contribution to the arts and for raising awareness of dementia. Murray was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2019 before going public with the diagnosis in 2022. He retired from his role on Fair City earlier this year.
The Journal
22-05-2025
- Health
- The Journal
Government urged not to cut third-level education funding for people in addiction recovery
A LEADING ADDICTION and homelessness charity is urging the Department of Education to supply further funding for a programme that has seen hundreds of people in addiction recovery gain third level education, including rehabilitation centre residents. Aubrey McCarthy, the CEO of Tiglin Dublin, a charity that runs a number of addiction rehabilitation centres, and outreach services for homelessness and addiction, has warned that if funding is not guaranteed, it will prevent another 110-130 people in recovery from commencing courses in September. Previously the Government provided €833k allocated to South East Technological University (SETU) to deliver third level courses to people in addiction recovery, including those who are full time residents in Tiglin's rehabilitation centres. The Department of Further and Higher Education today told The Journal that that funding is to last until December, and that no agreement has been reached to further fund the initiative. Jay Bobinac, who works with the charity, said that if the funding is not renewed or replaced, it will create a 'significant gap' in the services offered to people in their care, which are essential for preparing them for the next step in their lives. The charity's annual report, released today, shows that 111 residents with Tiglin successfully completed SETU-accredited courses, including certificates in foundations of adult learning, communication, and health and wellbeing in social care practice. The service also helped people to build their CV's and prepare for future employment. Paul Killen, 60, was one of the residents who completed a course. Having struggled with undiagnosed dyslexia in the past, he had always found education to be a source of 'fear and frustration'. 'I've learned that if you give me time and break things down for me, I can understand. The more courses I took, the more confident I became,' he said. Initially, Paul was 'terrified' of computers. 'Now I can send emails, use Outlook, and write a CV. These things seemed impossible before, but through education, I've proven to myself that I can achieve more than I thought,' he said. Advertisement He now holds qualifications in Addiction Studies, Aftercare, and a Level 6 in Key Working and Case Management. Paul struggled with drug addiction throughout his life, but with the support of Tiglin, he says he has been able to tackle the emotional issues at the root of his issues. 'I finally understood my problem – it wasn't the drugs, it was rejection. I felt rejected from the day I was born. Here, I found a voice,' he said. Education has been a key part of Paul's recovery, and building his confidence. Now he feels he has rebuilt his life, and he is in employment, and has a relationship with his adult children for the first time. 'Right now, in the community, I'm not 'Paul the addict' anymore. I'm just Paul,' he said. McCarthy, the charity's CEO is hoping that future funding will be committed to, so another group of more than 100 people can undertake courses in the next academic year. 'We are calling on the Minister for Further and Higher Education to recognise the profound impact this initiative has had and to explore options for renewing or replacing this essential funding,' he said. In 2024 Tiglin expanded its overall services. It supported 220 residents in supported housing, and 134 people in rehabilitation centres. It also provided over 100,000 hot meals through its frontline Lighthouse cafe in Dublin city centre, which it also uses as a means of outreach to connect people to other services. Tiglin played a crucial role in responding to the International Protection Applicant homelessness crisis in the past year, which saw many people who came to Ireland to seek safety living in tents along the Grand Canal. In 2024, the main presenting substance issue amongst the charity's service users was alcohol (31.5%), followed by cocaine powder (24.9%) and crack cocaine (16.9%). Other substances accounted for 10.8% of presentations while Benzodiazepines were at 8.2%, and Heroin use was at 7.7%. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
