Women’s residential programme: Ashleigh House

Women who have used drugs and alcohol often face huge problems as they try to remain drug-free and rebuild their lives. It can present real challenges. When you add this effort to the normal stresses of money, family relationships and the problems of daily life, the pressures can add up. Some women in these situations just need a safe and supportive place where they can participate in a therapeutic process and take control of their own recovery. Ashleigh House is designed to do just that.

Outline

The Ashleigh House rehabilitation service is a maximum of six months in duration, for up to 14 women in residence. It is a therapeutic community modified to offer women and their children a safe environment to address substance misuse issues.

The programme also admits women who may be on a low dose of prescribed anti-depressant medication, or for those coming off the last of their methadone under medical supervision, with the view to becoming drug free within weeks of arrival.

Admissions and assessments are done locally through the Ashleigh House outreach worker 01-825-1100.

Women and Children

Most women who come to Ashleigh House have children. We take women with pre-school children who are accommodated in our family rooms. These family places are available as the project progresses to women with children up to the age of 10. New play facilities are currently being developed for children up to school age, five days a week, to allow for their mothers to participate in the programme. There is a qualified childcare worker available to mind children during the group times. 1 to 1 support regarding parenting and childcare is also available. The indoor play area is available every day for children and we also have a new playground designed to offer a variety of activities. Children who attend primary school can attend local schools, by prior arrangement, to continue with their education during this time. Counselling for children can also be arranged. Parenting classes are provided within the programme to ensure that each person involved is supported and best equipped to live within a family environment.

The Programme.

Clients have a structured daily living routine that includes therapeutic groups and educational workshops. Group work consists of health promotion, relapse prevention, social skills, self and peer evaluation groups, weekend planning and review, art classes, computing courses, horticultural projects, acupuncture and yoga. In parallel with the programme, clients work with their key-worker who is assigned to each person when they join the programme. Together, they develop a care path tailored to the needs of the client. These plans are reviewed regularly to ensure that goals are met along the way, so that the client is supported at all times.

The Community.

At Ashleigh House there is a strong emphasis on peer-to-peer support, ensuring each person is part of a community, all working with the same goal of living life without the pressures and issues of substance addiction. Peer evaluation is encouraged every step of the way. In the spirit of community living, clients also take responsibility for the house and grounds, with catering, gardening, maintenance and laundry duties being part of the day. Each person is encouraged to be responsible for the well being of their peers.

The Family.

The programme at Ashleigh House takes a holistic approach to care, looking after the mind, body and spirit of each person. This also includes supporting the family and friends of our clients who may also be affected by their substance addiction. On this basis, we work in conjunction with each family and guardians. We have close links with a range of agencies and services. This interaction often takes the form of regular meetings and telephone updates in consultation with the client.The goal of the programme is for clients to have the opportunity to start living a life away from drugs and alcohol and to live a safe, sustainable and productive life for themselves and their families.