New help for drug addicts
An out-reach service, which will provide support to substance users, will be launched in Limavady and Dungiven following a funding boost from the Big Lottery Fund.
By Orla McNicholl
Until now, HURT (Have Your Tommorrows) was based in Derry and could only operate an out-reach service in neighbouring Limavady half a day per week.
The new lottery-funded initiative will help provide support to families affected by drugs, as well as awareness education for children as young as eight.
The organisation can now extend its services, which include counselling, support and alternative therapies for substance users and their families, thanks to a £492,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund.
Sadie O’Reilly established HURT almost six years ago, after losing her son Tony in 1999 following a tragic heroin over dose.
She said: “The drug problem isn’t going away – in fact there’s a degree of acceptance within society which makes it even more dangerous for young people now.”
Sadie highlighted the importance of drug awareness among young children in order to teach them about the serious effects drugs can have the deadly consequences:
“The drug problem seems to have got worse and those involved are getting yo
unger – that’s why we need to get the education out to children as young as eight and nine. You’d often be surprised by just how much some of them know,” she added.
Since HURT’s launch, they have received no government funding, thus the lottery funding is so vital to the organisation.
“We’re so thankful to the Lottery which has supported us in getting to this point and look forward to providing our support services to those in need,” said Sadie.
Briedge Gadd, Big Lottery Fund NI Chair, said: “The Reaching Communities programme is a very important part of our work in NI, ensuring that lottery cash reaches strong projects led by the voluntary and community sector that have a real and lasting impact on people’s lives.
“HURT’s Have Your Tomorrows Project will be supporting marginalised individuals and their families within our society.”
