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Welcome
Merchants Quay Ireland – Homeless & Drugs Services
Merchants Quay Ireland is a voluntary organisation providing a wide range of services to people who are homeless and for drug users. In 2009, we worked with over 5,000 drug users and people who were homeless.
On this site you will find information about our services and about homelessness and drug use in Ireland. You can access our publications, training course brochures and our comprehensive links section. 
Be a Champion for Merchants Quay!
Challenge yourself in 2010 and run a marathon on behalf of Merchants Quay Ireland. Of course you don't have to win - just taking part will make you feel like a champion! more...
Latest Newsletter
Latest edition available now
Click here to read the latest edition of the Merchants Quay newsletter.
In this edition:
Marie is Winning the Fight of a Lifetime - how a formerly homeless mother of four is beating overwhelming odds to overcome heroin addiction.
The Healing Hands of Sister Brid - Sister Brid O’Sullivan reflects on her life and her work as a nurse at Merchant’s Quay.
A Day in the Life of a Merchants Quay Nurse - providing primary healthcare to people who are homeless and to men and women who have problems with alcohol or drug use.
Why ‘Housing First’ Holds Promise for Homeless; the Vital Role MQI Will Play - Merchants Quay Ireland has been asked to play a critical role in The Homeless Agency’s reconfiguration of homeless services in the Dublin area.
If you're truly vulnerable, life is a matter of survival
Among the unseen ranks of the Merchants Quay Centre's clients, no one is preparing a budget submission, or going on strike, or calling themselves 'vulnerable' on radio. read more...
Annual Review 2008 Launched
Heroin Now a National Crisis – Merchants Quay Ireland
29th September 2009
The Merchants Quay Ireland Annual Review for 2008 was launched today, Tuesday the 29th of September, by Mr. Ryan Tubridy of RTE.
The report showed that 5,286 persons attended MQI’s drugs services in 2008. Of these 942 were new clients at our needle exchange services – this represents almost 20 new injectors per week, every week, over the course of the entire year. The report also highlights a continuing high level of demand for homeless services with an increase of 12% in interventions made with homeless people and a 4% increase in the number of meals provided during the year.
more details
New Training Programme for Cork
Certificate in Drugs Counselling Theory & Intervention Skills in Cork September 2010
University College Dublin in partnership with Merchants Quay Ireland launched a new professional training programme in drugs counselling theory and intervention skills in Cork in September 2009.
The MQI/UCD certificate course is aimed at those currently working in drug services, community development projects and other social and healthcare services as well as those interested in developing careers in these areas. Participants will be equipped with the skills and knowledge, grounded in practical experience needed to tackle the growing problems of drug use in Cork and across the southern region.
Speaking in advance of the launch Tony Geoghegan, Director of Merchants Quay Ireland said "the use of heroin and other so called hard drugs is no longer a Dublin issue. Heroin and Cocaine are now available in all of our cities and in many of our towns across the country. Merchants Quay Ireland now has services in 11 counties across Ireland including a counselling service based in Cork Prison. In our experience high quality professional training has been essential in developing successful initiatives to tackle the problem. This year we are delighted to announce that one of our most popular courses – the UCD Certificate in Drugs Counselling Theory and Intervention will be offered in Cork City as well as in Dublin."
MQI will also offer this course in Cork city commencing in September 2010. If you would like more information, we will be running an open evening in Cork in April 2010. Contact Edel Quinn in the training office on 01 524 0931 for more information on the Certificate in Drugs Counselling & Intervention Skills Cork 2010.
Certificate in Drugs Counselling Theory & Intervention Skills in Dublin
Merchants Quay Ireland and University College Dublin are pleased to offer a Certificate in Drugs Counselling Theory and Intervention Skills. This course which is offered at a FETAC level 6 certificate has been running successfully for the past twelve years. It delivers a broad introduction to the issues of drug use and addiction and seeks to empower participants to respond more effectively in their client work through development of their knowledge and skills base. The course runs over one academic year (September - May) and includes class room teaching, tutorial support and placements in specialist drug services. Closing date for receipt of applications for Dublin course is April 30th 2010, for Cork course is May 28th 2010. More info
Diploma In Drugs Counselling Theory & Intervention Skills in Dublin
The Merchants Quay Ireland/University College Dublin Diploma in Drugs Counselling Theory & Intervention Skills offers an opportunity to persons working with drug users to gain training in this interesting and complex field. The course runs over one academic year (September–May) and includes classroom teaching and placements in specialist drugs services. Closing date for receipt of applications for Dublin course is April 30th 2010, for Cork course is May 21st 2010. More info
Please Donate
Help us to raise vital funds so we can assist homeless people in finding accommodation and provide settlement support. Help us in our work with problem drug users to minimise the harm caused to themselves, their families and the wider community.
Click here to find out more and to download a donation form or donate online with your credit card!
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Latest News and Events
Tony Geoghegan on Country Mix FM Tony Geoghegan, CEO of Merchants Quay Ireland talks about drug issues and treatment in Ireland on Country Mix FM. more > 18th August 2010 
Carolyn Harvey raises funds for MQI On 18th April 2010 Carolyn Harvey ran for the first time in the Great Ireland Run in the Phoenix Park Dublin, finishing the 10km run in the breathtaking time of 55.55. She was raising funds for Merchants Quay Ireland. more > 26th May 2010 
Golf Classic in aid of MQI Powerscourt Golf Club holds Golf Classic to benefit the work of Merchants Quay Ireland. more > 16th May 2010 
John Murphy – Latest single will benefit MQI Irish Country Music artist John Murphy has released a new original single 'A Tribute to... more > 22nd March 2010 Cork Certificate & Diploma 2010/11 MQI is currently taking applications for the Cork Certificate & Diploma in Drugs Counselling Theory and Intervention Skills. more > 6th January 2010 MQI in the News MQI in the news. Irish Independent and Tribune News's reports on life on the street and other stories. more > 8th January 2010 
Annual Review 2008 Launched The Merchants Quay Ireland Annual Review for 2008 was launched today, Tuesday the 29th of September, by Mr. Ryan Tubridy of RTE. more > 29th September 2009 
Bord Gais Volunteers Bord Gais employees make Christmas cheerful for everyone at Merchants Quay. more > 21st December 2008 
Ulster Bank Volunteers Ulster Bank arrived at Chapelizod with a spirited team of volunteers, eager to leave their mark on Merchants Quay. more > 15th December 2008 more news... |
