Shopping list – Capital items for Coolmine

Two minibuses with disabled access options €76,000

Log cabin crèche / playroom for men’s residential programme €50,000-€60,000

During the last 12 months, Coolmine has been working to expand its services so that more people can get the vital support they need to beat their addiction to drugs and alcohol. As part of this programme of expansion, we have made plans to strengthen the work we do with the families of our clients.

Currently, at our men’s residential programme, children can visit their father in the mid-week and during the weekend. When the weather is poor, these visits take pace within the main house in our group rooms which can get a little cramped and do not provide a dedicated space for fathers to spend time with their children. We would like to remedy this situation by developing a purpose built log cabin within the grounds of Coolmine Lodge which will be used just for visiting children during visiting times and by clients for group sessions at other times.

The log cabin will be fitted out with a kitchenette, toilets and shower facilities to provide good facilities for children visiting. The cabin will be equipped with furniture and toys for children to use during their visit. The idea of the cabin is to provide a ‘home from home’ for visiting families; somewhere where they feel relaxed and confident so that they can enjoy their visit. Our family support workers will also utilise the cabin for three way meetings with clients and their family and one-to-one sessions.

Coolmine Creche

To support women with children up to pre-school age, we are developing a crèche at our women’s residential programme. The aim of the crèche is to enable women who want to beat their addiction to drugs or alcohol to seek help, without having to leave their children with the extended family or in care. We are looking for funding to develop one of our buildings on site and fit it out with the necessary equipment to cater for up to 15 children.