‘One Step at a Time’ for Aiséirí Family Support Services

Aiséirí announces a new fundraising initiative specific to their Family Support Services. The 40k walking challenge, aptly named ‘One Step at a Time’ will take place during the month of March. The charity is appealing to the public to sign up and walk in solidarity with those battling addiction and their families. To take part simply visit www.idonate.ie/event/onestepatatime. 

Aiséirí is calling on individuals, families, friends, workplaces, work colleagues, clubs and community groups to sign up in their droves to show their support for the families who suffer too. All too often families affected by addiction suffer in silence and without the support they need.

John Tobin, Operations Manager for Aiséirí Cahir has been a long-time advocate for whole family recovery. ‘Family members need a lot of support when their loved one is in addiction, in treatment and in recovery! Last year, we were delighted to expand the support that Aiséirí provides to families. Addiction affects the whole family and recovery is available to the whole family too. We always say – there’s not a family in Ireland who isn’t affected by addiction. The family plays a critical role in a person’s recovery, but they also have their own recovery journey too.  This is not always easy and that is why Aiséirí is committed to making this service a priority.’

Aileen Byrnes is the mother of a young man who attended Aiséirís Treatment Centre for Adolescents, Aiséirí Aislinn in Co. Kilkenny. He progressed to Secondary Treatment in Waterford and accessed the Community Services thereafter also. 

Speaking at the launch of the Aiseiri One Step at a Time Walking Challenge, Aileen said “Addiction nearly took his life and it nearly took us all with it, it destroyed us as a family, but we are one of the lucky ones to come out the other side. As a family we did everything Aiséiri taught us and it worked, we have our son back! We are back taking family pictures and making memories again and I am so grateful for our whole family’s recovery which would not have been possible without their support.”

Aiséirí consists of four unique recovery centres in Kilkenny, Tipperary, Wexford and Waterford where they provide residential, primary and secondary treatment services. They also provide support to families nationwide who are recovering from the destructive impact of alcohol, drugs and gambling. Whole family recovery support is offered in various ways, weekly Concerned Persons Group meetings are complemented by regular educational workshops and lectures.

In addition to their two-year family recovery support programme, Aiséirí also has a full-time family therapist on hand to offer specific family relationship support. This is a needs-based service which has demonstrated remarkable results since it was introduced last year. Funds raised will ensure the continuation of this support service which has become a vital part of their Family Recovery Programme.

Mary Hennessy, CEO, Aiséirí highlighted the organisation’s charitable status commenting “Aiséirí is a progressive and forward-thinking organisation that delivers extraordinary treatment services and supports to those who seek recovery. Over the years, the team and I have witnessed many miracles, we’ve seen lives turned around and families heal, reunite and recover together. At Aiséirí we absolutely believe that everyone can recover, there is hope and whole family recovery is possible, we’re seeing it every day. Addiction is a family disease and the ripple effects of addiction often hurts those closest, most of all. This why we are dedicating all the proceeds of our ‘One Step at a Time’ Walking Challenge to our Family Support Services.”

The key message to families suffering today is simple, the ripple effects of addiction can be immense but whole family recovery is possible with the support of Aiséirí, Aileen concluded “If your child or someone in your family is battling addiction, please reach out and ask for help. It’s not your fault, you didn’t cause it, don’t hide away, please reach out there is loads of support there for you so please talk to someone before it’s too late, get all the help you can.”

Addiction doesn’t discriminate and all walks of life may be affected. Aiséirí’s professional and dedicated support team are always ready and willing to help those seeking recovery. The organisation is fully accredited by CHKS, recognised by all the main health insurance providers and there are several pathways to treatment available. To learn more about Aiséirí and its many services visit www.aiseiri.ie or call 052 7441166.