Dublin Simon opens new centre for city’s most vulnerable homeless people

Eight-bed unit will provide a range of badly-needed therapeutic supports

Dublin Simon Community has opened a respite unit in the capital aimed at supporting some of the city's most vulnerable homeless people.

The eight-bed unit near Usher’s Island will provide a garden, quiet room and access to therapies for people experiencing homelessness.

The charity says there is a growing need for services to help homeless people with substance abuse and health problems. “This is a safe, comfortable, professional unit where clients can work towards stabilising their health and lifestyle in a supportive environment,” said Majella Darcy of Dublin Simon Community.

A recent health survey of the charity’s clients shows most homeless people have at least one diagnosed mental health problem, while significant numbers have drug or alcohol problems.

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Members of staff from The Irish Times recently volunteered for a "room to improve" project to decorate a garden area and therapy room in the unit.

Pictured are volunteers Ciarán Hancock, Colum Dunne, Tim O’Brien, Pier Wall, Edel Morgan and Kate Connellan.

The Simon Community is a nominated charity partner of The Irish Times. The charity is seeking volunteers to help out in activities such as soup runs and outreach work.

Further information is available at dubsimon.ie.