The Greater Blanchardstown Response to Drugs is very proud of its roots in the community. In fact, we were set-up by people in the community to address and respond to the drug issue in the Greater Blanchardstown area.
Thirteen years on, we have a new work plan, which is about the future development and focus of the GBRD, to help us get to where we want to be.
But in getting to where we want to be, we'll never forget how we got here in the first place. Have a look at some of our major milestones below, which chart the GBRD journey so far.
1992 ...sewing the seeds of the GBRD
People living and working in the local community, including parents, voluntarily come together to look at how they can address the growing drug problem in the Dublin 15 area.
The Community Awareness of Drugs (CAD) delivers a pilot 6-week prevention course called "Working Together".
1993
Comparative studies are carried out on Medical and Social Services, Probation Services, Housing, Primary and Post Primary School Services with the help of Rialto Research, Merchants Quay, Icon Inner City and Howth Peninsula.
1994
The group is formally convened and evolves into The Greater Blanchardstown Response to Drugs, thanks to the help of the Community Action Network (CAN).
The GBRD becomes the first community based initiative around Education, Training and Information around the drug-issue for the Dublin 15 area.
1995
The first piece of funding, IRL 2,000 pounds, is received from The Catherine Howard Foundation and Combat Poverty Agency. This money enables the GBRD to carry out basic research into the extent of the drug problem.
The Neighbourhood Youth Project (NYP) provides the premises for GBRD meetings.
Addiction Counselling takes place in Blakestown and the GBRD procures a counsellor from the Health Board.
1996
A Satellite Clinic for drug-users is established at the Corduff Health Centre.
The GBRD Education Group is set-up and delivers a 7-week course for the Greater Blanchardstown community.
The Irish Government publishes the first National Drugs Strategy.
1997
Blanchardstown is identified as one of 13 areas in Ireland with a high level of drug abuse.
13 Local Drugs Task Forces, including the Blanchardstown Local Drug Task Force, are established under the National Drugs Strategy.
GBRD members represent their communities on the new Blanchardstown Task Force and GBRD projects now receive funding under the National Drugs Strategy.
1998
Through the GBRD, three Community Drug Teams (CDT's) are set up in the Greater Blanchardstown area.
These three CDT's are:
- Mulhuddart/Corduff Community Drug Team
- Mountview/Blakestown Community Drug Team
- Hartstown/Huntstown Community Drug Team
1999
For the first time, GBRD together with the Community Development and Social Policy Department of UCD, run an accredited course called DICE (Drugs Information and Community Development Education).
2000
In February, the GBRD helps to organise the first Service of Commemoration and Hope in St Bridgid's Church in Blanchardstown. The service commemorates those who died from drug-related causes, highlighting the lack of treatment facilities available in Dublin 15.
In March, Eoin Ryan TD, Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, launches the "Drugs and the Community" report, at the invitation of the GBRD.
This report by Jennifer D'Arcy explores the nature and extent of drug use in the Greater Blanchardstown area and was funded by the Blanchardstown Local Drug Task Force.
First series of Information Roadshows are organised by the GBRD.
2001
In May, the Irish Government publishes the National Drugs Strategy (2001- 2008).
Read more about the current National Drugs Strategy (2001- 2008) here
GBRD receives mainstream funding through the Northern Area Health Board (N.A.H.B, now known as the Health Services Executive, Northern Area).
2002
Education is the key as the GBRD delivers tailor-made first level and second level training courses for various community groups. For example, the Parents Drug Awareness Courses take place in Hartstown Community Centre and in St Bridgid's Hall in Blanchardstown.
The GBRD organises the Blanchardstown Healthy Living Week in association with the Blanchardstown Local Drug Task Force. The Community Voice newspaper produces a special supplement, to mark the occasion.
Kay Cooke becomes a member of staff as the Project Administrator (after volunteering with the GBRD since 1995).
2003
GBRD moves to a new office in Clonsilla Village, which offers improved training facilities.
2004
GBRD gets a new-look and a new slogan.
("No Judge. No Jury. Just free confidential information.")
The GBRD organises the Blanchardstown Drug Awareness Week, in association with the Blanchardstown Local Drug Taskforce and other community groups.
Phillip Keegan becomes the new co-ordinator of the GBRD and is joined by Jackie Monahan.
2005
The GBRD pilots a new training programme, working in collaboration with the Blanchardstown Drug Education Resource Centre and The Education Service (HSE Northern Area). This programme helps community groups to explore various drug-related issues in their area.
Minister of State, Noel Ahern TD publishes the Mid-term review of the National Drugs Strategy, with input from the GBRD and many other community, voluntary and statutory bodies.
The GBRD supports the staging of the "Men At Work" Drama by the Fathers of Addicts Support Group in Blakestown Community Centre.
Cindy Lynch joins the GBRD team.
The new GBRD website (www.gbrd.ie) goes live!
The first-ever "Let's talk about drugs" MEDIA AWARDS are launched by the GBRD in association with the Northside People, the Southside People and the Blanchardstown Local Drugs Task Force.
Read more about the "Let's talk about drugs" MEDIA AWARDS here
