More than 30,000 euro has been raised to help deliver a Family Wellness Centre at Bushypark in Ennis.
It follows a live radio auction held by the Lions Club, in conjunction with Clare FM, at the Old Ground Hotel earlier today.
The voice of Brian there who entered Bushy Park after what he’s described as twenty years of denial and destruction – not only of his life – but of the lives of those around him.
The BushyPark Treatment Centre was set up in 1991, in response to a growing need for a residential service in the community to deal with alcohol, drugs and gambling addiction.
Together the with HSE, Clarecare bought and renovated the premises at Bushypark and in the following 32 years, over 3,500 people have availed of residential services there.
An additional 10,000 people have availed of community-based services over that time, such as assessment, aftercare services or phone support, while a community outreach programme is also provided.
Bushypark Manager, Margaret Nash says they continue to provide a wide range of services.
Clarecare says that for every one person that contacts Bushypark for support with addiction, a further five family members are affected.
This has prompted the construction of a new Family Wellness Centre, which is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in the coming months.
The works include a Counselling room, office and toilet, with the existing centre being renovated into a more user-friendly space which will initially provide day services and its hoped, respite services in the future.
Earlier today, the Ennis Lions Club hosted a live radio auction, in conjunction with Clare FM, with all money raised going towards the development of the new facility.
Lions Club member, Michael Neylon, who’s also a Clarecare Board Member, explains why it was important to fundraise for this cause.
Ann’s son Jeffrey developed an addition to drugs and alcohol at a young age and as his behaviour escalated, he become aggressive towards family, causing “havoc” in their home.
Ann says they tried to help him by referring him to services but he continued to live a destructive lifestyle, ultimately ending up in prison.
Although Jeffrey subsequently took steps to deal with his addiction he has since passed away.
The new Family Wellness Centre at Bushypark aims to help people like Ann and her family.
The hammer came down on the auction shortly before 12 o’clock this afternoon, with 30,343 euro in total raised for the centre.
