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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tony Duffin, the CEO of the Ana Liffey Drug Project, said that stigma against drug users is “very serious”

and that there needs to be a health-led approach to responding to drug use, rather than a criminal approach.

In this episode Tony talks to us about his upbringing in London, his Irish roots in Wexford, his family life and his work over the last 30+ years in harm reduction.

Duffin said that Ireland needs to change its laws around drugs to help address this stigma.

“Stigma is a huge issue. It does prevent people from coming forward to access treatment and rehabilitation

and other supports.

Duffin said that “In countries like Portugal, where they implemented the model of decriminalisation, which is essentially a

very good diversion scheme, they have seen stigma towards people who use drugs disappear. It took about 10 years, 15 years of treating it as a health issue before people realise and

start to say, ‘they’re not criminals, they’re people who need a bit of help’.”

Duffin added that he believes there is an important distinction between “drug use” and “problematic drug

use”,

To follow Tony's work and the work of Anna Liffey Drugs Project click below links

https://www.facebook.com/share/pSzw67HovzfHTVKv/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

https://www.instagram.com/analiffey?igsh=cjk5dXh2ZHlkeDlk

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In this Episode Trina speaks with Dawn Russell of the Anna Liffey Drugs Project about her work as Head of Services.

Dawn says she’s motivated because she “cares deeply about people who are

marginalised, who are judged and left out of our society”, and she is “driven to

work for them to improve their lives.”

“...I have watched with pride as Ireland proved to the world

and to ourselves that we are a compassionate, inclusive and caring society

through the marriage equality and abortion rights referenda. Now in Ireland, it’s

time for people who are battling with addictions to be understood and to be

brought into our society, from the shadows and alleyways where they are forced

to live. People with drug and alcohol addictions have value, they have rights, and

we have to work for them to be recognised. This is what motivates me every day,”

says Russell.

To follow the Dawns work and the Anna Liffey Drugs Project go to

https://www.facebook.com/share/pSzw67HovzfHTVKv/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

https://www.instagram.com/analiffey?igsh=cjk5dXh2ZHlkeDlk

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In this episode Trina and Sarah chat to author and advocate for victims of Domestic Abuse Lee Marks. Lee talks about his own experience and his support guide for male victims of domestic abuse called “Break the Silence. He encourages more men to seek support and says officers need more training on how better to engage with male victims of domestic abuse.

Anyone who has been impacted by the issues in this episode can contact Men's Aid on 01 554 3811 or go to the website www.mensaid.ie

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This week Sarah and Trina are joined by the Deputy Editor of the Tullamore Tribune Gearoid Keegan as they examine the murder of schoolteacher and talented musician Ashling Murphy.

We discuss the recent trial of Jozef Puska, his murder conviction and his life sentence.

From a local journalist's perspective, Gearoid takes us through what happened on the day Ashling was attacked and killed by the vicious predator as she exercised by the canal in Tullamore, County Offaly in January 2022.

He recounts how the circumstances of her murder brought his town and the nation to a standstill.

We also examine the investigation, how her attacker was tracked down and brought to justice.

This episode pays tribute to the much loved and talented Ashling who was robbed from her loved ones in such a monstrous way.

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In this powerful episode we speak with Dublin GAA legend Philly McMahon about his illustrious football career from kicking a ball in Ballymun to kicking it over the bar in Croke Park. Philly talks about his work in the community motivating young adults with social problems.

He tells us the story of his Dad who was shot in West Belfast during the troubles, was interned in the North, escaped custody, went on the run and settled in Ballymun.

The GAA star also recounts the tragic death of his older brother John in 2012 following a long battle with drug addiction.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.