Westmeath Community Development

John Curran T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, officially opened The Open Door Project, Mullingar on Tuesday 26^th of January. 

The launch was very well attended and it recognised the important work being done by the Project here in Mullingar.  The launch coincided with a seminar taking place by Midlands Regional Drugs Taskforce in the Mullingar Park Hotel which highlighted the danger of these Headshops.  TV3 filmed a segment, which was seen on TV3 News at 5.30 p.m. on the date, about the scrutiny that was coming under Headshops (click here to watch segment).  

The Open Door Project was set up when it was indentified that there was a need for individuals who were experiencing difficulties around addiction, it was also evident that the families with addiction issues also needed an avenue to gain knowledge and education to prevent enabling or becoming co-dependent with addiction.  We employ a continuum of care model that addresses the individual addiction and recovery in a tailor made care package.  We engage the clients in the service and design of this package as we recognise that recovery beings with the initial contact, clients are referred into statutory agencies for specialised treatment while extending issues that may be part of the reason for addiction to be addressed such as literacy, anger management, assertiveness and thus by reducing these negative influences, the self maintaining skills learnt ill assist as part of the care.  The project is supported by local community agencies and we work closely with this regard in the best interest of the client.  We take a holistic approach to recovery and the client is empowered in the discussion process at all stages.  We provide a safe, secure and non judgemental environment for the client to engage with and we presently have 57 clients attending regularly.  The project is directly accessible six days a week, with an out of hour’s service providing support 365 days a year.

For more information contact:  James Hennessy, Manager, Open Door Project on 044-9335594/085-1490006 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it