Tus Nua Annual Report 2010

ANNUAL REPORT ANNUAL REPORT ANNUAL REPORT ANNUAL REPORT 2010201020102010

A new beginningA new beginningA new beginningA new beginning———— Tus Nua provides women leaving Dochas with Tus Nua provides women leaving Dochas with Tus Nua provides women leaving Dochas with Tus Nua provides women leaving Dochas with a safe, supportive environment which enables a safe, supportive environment which enables a safe, supportive environment which enables a safe, supportive environment which enables positive choices to be made for the future.positive choices to be made for the future.positive choices to be made for the future.positive choices to be made for the future.

DEPAUL IRELAND TUS NUA

CONTENTS

Foreword and Introduction 01

Vision, Mission and Values of Depaul Ireland 02

Mission and Aims of Tus Nua 03

A Service User’s Insight into the Difficulties Facing 04 Many Women who Leave Prison

A Service User’s Insight into Imprisonment, Alternative 05 Options and the Impact of Imprisonment

The Tus Nua Programme 06

A Service User’s Perspective— 08 The Factors or Reasons that Can Lead Women to Being Imprisoned

A Service User’s Perspective— 09 On the Difficulties of Stigmatisation Following Imprisonment and Addiction

Partnership Working 10

In Tus Nua 12

2010— What We Did & Life Skills Programme 13

Comparison Statistics 14

Statistical Analysis 15

Closing Comment 16

Thanks and Acknowledgements 17

FOREWORD

During 2010, Tus Nua continued its service to women leaving prison. It is not easy for many women who leave prison to integrate into society. Suitable long term accommodation is difficult to access, employment options are limited and there are many other challenges to be faced. Tus Nua through the unique accommodation and support services it provides helps the women staying with us to face these challenges.

The report for 2010 outlines how this was done and shows the positive response and achievements of the women using the service. The progress achieved is in no small way due to the commitment and expertise of the Depaul Ireland staff team and on behalf of the Board of Management I express our sincere appreciation to them.

Our Board of Management includes repre-sentatives of the Probation Service (whose support for Tus Nua is gratefully acknowl-edged), Dochas Centre, the Daughters of Charity, the Gardai, and the Society of St Vincent de Paul (founders of the project) and members of the local community. I thank all my colleagues on the Board for the high standard of governance they continue to voluntarily provide at Tus Nua.

Larry Tuomey Larry Tuomey Larry Tuomey Larry Tuomey Chair, Board of ManagementChair, Board of ManagementChair, Board of ManagementChair, Board of Management

INTRODUCTION

In 2010 the numbers of women in prison continued to increase and the need for the supportive residential service provided by Tus Nua for women on release from prison was significant. Depaul Ireland in partner-ship with the Probation service, the SVP and the Irish Prison service continued in 2010 to provide an inclusive environment at Tus Nua for women to work towards addressing their individual needs and reintegrate into wider society.

It has been a successful year for many of the women at Tus Nua and this is attributed to their own strength and determination to work towards change in their lives. The women residing at Tus Nua experience many challenges, however their willing-ness to address their difficulties and direct their own support enables the work at Tus Nua. The support of the full team is invaluable; they create the environment in which individual goals can be advanced, and where much needed support is available to the women referred to Tus Nua. This is also achievable because of partnership working and the commit-ment to work in conjunction with other services to create opportunities for women, and we look forward to this continuing in the future. I would like to thank the Tus Nua commit-tee, the Probation Service, the Prison service, the SVP, and the Tus Nua staff team and volunteers for their commitment at Tus Nua in 2010; as well as all our external partners for their sustained partnership support. The women at Tus Nua wrote a lot of the 2010 Annual Report as it is important that their voices and opinions on what is needed for women are expressed. I would like to welcome you to the Tus Nua 2010 Annual Report.

Christine Littlefield Christine Littlefield Christine Littlefield Christine Littlefield Project Group Manager, Tus NuaProject Group Manager, Tus NuaProject Group Manager, Tus NuaProject Group Manager, Tus Nua

TUS NUA ANNUAL REPORT 2010

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Tus Nua is part of a wider Tus Nua is part of a wider Tus Nua is part of a wider Tus Nua is part of a wider organisation, Depaul Ireland. organisation, Depaul Ireland. organisation, Depaul Ireland. organisation, Depaul Ireland. Depaul Ireland was established in Ireland in 2002 and in Northern Ireland in 2005 and now manages twelve specialist services. Depaul Ireland belongs to a group structure and has services in the UK, Slovakia, Ukraine and USA

VISION, MISSION AND VALUES OF DEPAUL IRELAND

Our vision is that everyone should have a place to call home and a stake in their community

Our mission is to offer homeless and disadvantaged people the opportunity to fulfil their potential and make positive informed choices about their future.

Our values are; We celebrate the potential of people We put our words into action We aim to take a wider role in civil society

We believe in rights and responsibilities


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We do this through our commitment to;

• Prevent re-offending by recognising the short-term and long-term needs of women availing of the service.

• Provide life skills and opportunities to promote independent living

• Respect the dignity and skills of each woman using our service

• Encourage service users to take a positive role in the wider community and avail of the communal support while in the project through participation in house activities.

• Achieve excellence in the quality of our service

• Challenge and address barriers faced by women leaving prison and women with a history of offending

• Work in partnership with other external services

Tus Nua’s Mission Statement is to provide women leaving prison and women with an offending background with safe, supported housing and a positive environment. We aim to support women in making choices for the future and aid their transition, positively reintegrating into the wider community.

MISSION AND AIMS OF TUS NUA

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When imprisoned you get into a routine, you easily become institutionalised. There-fore, leaving prison behind can be very hard as you become accustomed to a certain way of living and surviving. It is difficult to rein-tegrate back into society and deal with real life and face the challenges that often arise. It is two very different worlds.

Women leaving prison can, understandably, become scared towards their release date. This is because they have been detained in an environment where everything is done for them. You have little, if any responsi-bilities and you become comfortable with this lifestyle.

It takes a long time to adjust to life outside of prison and reintegrate back into a com-munity. When inside, you quickly get used to everything being done for you; when released you are expected to change your way of living, it can be a major culture shock and a huge setback for someone who is not prepared for these massive changes.

I was definitely anxious and worried that I would relapse upon my release from Do-chas. While in prison I remained drug free. There was nobody selling drugs or offering me drugs, however when outside, there are always the constant reminders and oppor-tunities to buy illegal drugs. Ultimately the choice is mine but it doesn’t help when the temptation is always there, there is no get-ting away from it.

Financial concerns are another major issue for women leaving prison, you don’t have any financial worries when you are locked up but as soon as you are out the gates of Dochas, money becomes an issue and al-ways does.

Being judged and the stigma attached to being an offender can affect you, family and friends may judge you differently and the community may not want to know you. Tus Nua Service User Tus Nua Service User Tus Nua Service User Tus Nua Service User Aged 22Aged 22Aged 22Aged 22 The challenges women face when referred to Tus Nua vary depending on their pre-senting needs. One of the main challenges faced is the transition from prison to Tus Nua; living independently in their own apartment and adapting to the structured programme at Tus Nua.

A lot of women on arrival at Tus Nua ex-press their fears and anxieties about leav-ing prison and often find the transitional process of moving towards independent living overwhelming. . The barriers associ-ated with this transition often involve changing learnt behaviours. Behaviours linked to past experiences for many of the women at Tus Nua. However beyond under-standing antisocial behaviour, services users also have to learn how to resist the pressures from others to participate in activities that led to their prison sentence.

Many women referred to Tus Nua have limited work experience and job skills, having a criminal record also reduces their prospects of securing employment, in-creasing the difficulty of feeling part of society. The stigma associated with being a female ex-offender in relation to employ-ment and community involvement has greatly impacted many service users and more often resulted in some service users feeling further isolated.

A SERVICE USER’S INSIGHT INTO THE DIFFICULTIES FACING MANY WOMEN WHO LEAVE PRISON


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Prison is not always the answer but depending on the crime sometimes prison is necessary; for example with violent or serious criminal offences. But prison does not always work, some people’s troubles get worse in prison, for some it is where their drug use starts.

There is an alternative like community service which is a good option. Another alternative to going to prison could be a type of boot camp or training option to teach self respect and to shape up. Or rehabilitation is another option that is really needed. These other options could be set up for young people and adults alike. If these measures didn’t work and were given a chance, then prison should be used.

For me prison partly worked, but it took a whole chunk out of my life, and I never want to go back to that. Other people suffered too; my kids, my mum, my whole family. Crime doesn’t pay in the end. Tus Nua Service user Tus Nua Service user Tus Nua Service user Tus Nua Service user Aged 30Aged 30Aged 30Aged 30

Another common challenge women have encountered is the breakdown of family relationships due to imprisonment and the difficulty of re-establishing a family life Rebuilding family networks is viewed in Tus Nua as a very important resource for reinte-grating into the community. Some service users have had minimal contact with their children throughout their prison sentence and have had limited parenting skills. As a result they often find the initial contact with their family, post prison release, very upsetting although with time and support these feelings of powerlessness can be overcome.

A SERVICE USER’S INSIGHT INTO IMPRISONMENT, ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS AND THE IMPACT OF IMPRISONMENT

“I think Tus Nua is really good. This place

helped me gradually integrate back into

society, at my pace. It is a great service as

project workers are on-site 24/7. The project

workers always help you and have supported

me with budgeting my money, accessing

health services and completing the

necessary forms that I had to fill out when

I was released from prison” Tus Nua Service user Tus Nua Service user Tus Nua Service user Tus Nua Service user Aged 22Aged 22Aged 22Aged 22 Tus Nua operates a low threshold service and promotes harm reduction principles, working to ensure a safe and drug free environment. We work with women with complex support needs who may require support with alcohol and drug relapse and addiction related is-sues. Tus Nua supports each service user in an individualised way developing support plans to address the needs of each service user referred. Those referred to Tus Nua must be motivated to participate fully in the pro-gramme of support and engage with their keyworker throughout their tenancy at Tus Nua.

The support offered is focused around each individual’s personal day-to-day lives. Other skills such as developing personal bounda-ries, assertiveness, decision making skills, maintaining personal safety, harm reduction techniques and relapse prevention strategies are learned or improved throughout regular keyworking and one to one sessions.

Advocacy is a big part of the work at Tus Nua. We encourage the women to push themselves beyond their comfort zones, to try harder and to progress. We provide struc-ture and a place of reliability for the women to work from, and to experience new things. Ultimately the most important thing we en-sure the women receive from the service is respect, and an opportunity to fulfil their personal goals. “I felt the staff went over and beyond to support me, especially during the bad times for me”

Tus Nua Service user Tus Nua Service user Tus Nua Service user Tus Nua Service user Aged 36Aged 36Aged 36Aged 36 A case management approach, working in partnership with external agencies, is utilised by all keyworkers to ensure that positive outcomes are achieved by each service user. Through the keyworking and support planning process, Tus Nua facili-tates each woman’s re - entry process. To help meet the challenges faced by the women the support offered aims to avert recidivism, develop service users’ independ-ent living skills, address issues that lead to offending behaviour, promote each service users participation in education and training and offer support and direction to create a smoother and less daunting transition back into community life.

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THE TUS NUA PROGRAMME Tus Nua is in operation since February 2003 and is funded by the Probation Service. Tus Nua is in operation since February 2003 and is funded by the Probation Service. Tus Nua is in operation since February 2003 and is funded by the Probation Service. Tus Nua is in operation since February 2003 and is funded by the Probation Service. Tus Nua is a specialist residential service supporting women with complex support Tus Nua is a specialist residential service supporting women with complex support Tus Nua is a specialist residential service supporting women with complex support Tus Nua is a specialist residential service supporting women with complex support needs between the ages of 18 and 65 years leaving prison. We also work with women needs between the ages of 18 and 65 years leaving prison. We also work with women needs between the ages of 18 and 65 years leaving prison. We also work with women needs between the ages of 18 and 65 years leaving prison. We also work with women who have been referred from the Probation service in the community. Those referred who have been referred from the Probation service in the community. Those referred who have been referred from the Probation service in the community. Those referred who have been referred from the Probation service in the community. Those referred have been identified as homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. have been identified as homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. have been identified as homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. have been identified as homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.


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“My support plans were centred on my

needs that made me feel secure and sup-

ported. I would not change any aspect of my

support plan”

Tus Nua Service user Tus Nua Service user Tus Nua Service user Tus Nua Service user Aged 22Aged 22Aged 22Aged 22

Follow on and aftercare support is offered to every woman leaving Tus Nua. This can last for 6 to 8 weeks after they move on, to help with settling into the wider community. The women that avail of the support find that is can be very beneficial as it eases the stress of the move. The staff team offer support with meeting new people and getting used to a new area, this support also helps to identify any additional areas of need that require assistance. A lot of women leaving Tus Nua would have been homeless for many years and settling back into a new community can be a difficult time.

“You are not rushed out of the project, the staff work with you to find move on accom-modation. I have not explored resettlement yet but I will be soon. I believe that a lot of After Care with my Keyworker when my ten-ancy ends at Tus Nua would greatly assist me. I love it here. All the staff are actually really nice and that helps a lot. Also, it is a safe environment for people dealing with addiction because there is no one “off their head” walking around. I know if I had to live in another hostel I would be back on drugs by now. The routine and environment at Tus Nua has greatly helped me and supported me stay away from drugs”

Tus Nua Service user Tus Nua Service user Tus Nua Service user Tus Nua Service user Aged 22 Aged 22 Aged 22 Aged 22

“Tus Nua is a good service to get a place. Anyone who has an opportunity to go to Tus Nua should take it. Keyworking ses-sions were brilliant for me, it’s good to be working with a professional who under-stands the system and understands home-lessness and each individual person’s related problems. Tus Nua gives you confi-dence and a chance to get your life back together again. I have regained my confi-dence and dignity, I reached a good few conclusions and some of them were tough but it was a happy result for me in the end.”

Former Tus Nua Service user Former Tus Nua Service user Former Tus Nua Service user Former Tus Nua Service user Aged 46 Aged 46 Aged 46 Aged 46 Tus Nua fully promotes active involvement of the women in the Project. In order for us to provide a responsive service the opin-ions and views of the Tus Nua service users are needed. Their input and suggestions assist in the development and day to day running of the service. We aim at all times through activities such as resident review days, residents meeting, residents surveys, the residents charter of rights, keyworking and support planning and general day to day interaction to give the service users ownership of their home. This also ensures that their opinions and voices are heard and taken seriously. This is done by incor-porating suggestions and ideas from ser-vice user consultation days and independ-ent suggestions into our working protocols. “I think having a dedicated volunteer / Befriending / advocacy service would have a huge impact on the resettlement process. Having someone specifically work with you on resettlement when you leave would make a huge impact on the daunting move on process”

Tus Nua Service user Tus Nua Service user Tus Nua Service user Tus Nua Service user Aged 32Aged 32Aged 32Aged 32

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I am going to answer this question from my own personal experience as I think we all know that there are a lot of reasons as to why people are imprisoned. The reason I was imprisoned was because of my addic-tion but there were many factors contribut-ing to why I was sentenced to prison.

My addiction with alcohol started when I was 15 years of age. I didn’t realise I had a problem until I was 25 years of age. I felt I was functioning properly and did not realise there was a problem. I began to deteriorate and could not ‘function’ as well as I used to. My addiction was spiralling out of control and it was affecting my life. I was let go from my job as I could not sustain any em-ployment – I began to shoplift in order to feed my addiction and I picked up a lot of charges. I was sentenced to prison because I picked up so many charges for shoplifting and I was making no effort in changing this lifestyle. Looking back I do think there was help and support available to me in my local community, but because I was in denial and because I didn’t realise I had a major prob-lem and how out of hand it was going to get, I did not avail of any of the support. Should I have known how bad things were and if I had of engaged with the support services maybe I would have avoided custodial sen-tences.

My tenancy is now coming to an end at Tus Nua. I believe in order for me to steer clear of being imprisoned again the most impor-tant thing is for me to abstain from alcohol and to continue to avail of my identified support services. I need to continue to adapt to a change of lifestyle and be aware of the company I keep. I will stay focused and always remember my goal; to live life and refrain from alcohol.

Tus Nua Service user Tus Nua Service user Tus Nua Service user Tus Nua Service user Aged 32 Aged 32 Aged 32 Aged 32

Service users are supported in accessing appropriate move on accommodation at the end of their tenancy at Tus Nua. The service provides the time and space during which service users can address the problems which led to their housing crisis and prison sentence. Tus Nua supports women to gain practical skills enabling them to make pro social choices and reintegrate into the com-munity. It is difficult to find move on accom-modation appropriate to the women’s sup-port needs and places are very limited for longer term accommodation. “Tus Nua is a great place to reside during the transitional process from prison. I do not think it is the appropriate accommoda-tion for longer term accommodation, I think that specific goals should be set when you are released from prison and once these goals are met you should move on to a long term accommodation or if you are ready to move into independent living” Tus Nua Service user Tus Nua Service user Tus Nua Service user Tus Nua Service user Aged 32Aged 32Aged 32Aged 32

A SERVICE USER’S PERSPECTIVE THE FACTORS OR REASONS THAT CAN LEAD WOMEN TO BEING IMPRISONED


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A SERVICE USER’S PERSPECTIVE ON THE DIFFICULTIES OF STIGMATISATION FOLLOWING IMPRISONMENT AND ADDICTION

I have experienced a great deal of prejudice, a lot of people take the attitude of ‘once a junkie always a junkie’. This is because people have bad experiences with people with addictions such as seeing needles around the place but not everyone is like that, we shouldn’t be “tarred with the same brush”. When I was involved in crime as an addict I always felt really bad about it. Addiction had really taken over my life. I feel like I was not dealt the same hand in life as other people. I had to deal with my mother’s death at an early age and did not get on with my father’s new girlfriend. This led to me being unsettled and rebellious at an early age, I ran away from home often and I spent a lot of time in foster homes as a child. I started taking drugs from when I was 12 years old. Addiction is a process rather than an event, it’s ongoing. Every day I deal with my addic-tion but I resist it. The problems with drugs have increased massively over the last few years. It’s not a problem that is likely to go away it’s likely to get worse. It’s taken its toll on my health I didn’t ever want to live like this; being in prison was the worst thing in the world I want to live a normal life. Tus Nua Service user Tus Nua Service user Tus Nua Service user Tus Nua Service user Aged 31Aged 31Aged 31Aged 31

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PARTNERSHIP WORKING

Tus Nua is funded by the Probation Service Tus Nua is funded by the Probation Service Tus Nua is funded by the Probation Service Tus Nua is funded by the Probation Service and we work closely with Probation Services and we work closely with Probation Services and we work closely with Probation Services and we work closely with Probation Services in Dochas and in the community to support in Dochas and in the community to support in Dochas and in the community to support in Dochas and in the community to support the women. Our referrals come from Proba-the women. Our referrals come from Proba-the women. Our referrals come from Proba-the women. Our referrals come from Proba-tion and we also accept referrals from the tion and we also accept referrals from the tion and we also accept referrals from the tion and we also accept referrals from the Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas (ICPO). Women come to Tus Nua often after (ICPO). Women come to Tus Nua often after (ICPO). Women come to Tus Nua often after (ICPO). Women come to Tus Nua often after experiencing many different challenges such experiencing many different challenges such experiencing many different challenges such experiencing many different challenges such as poverty, substance abuse, family and as poverty, substance abuse, family and as poverty, substance abuse, family and as poverty, substance abuse, family and relationship problems, low educational at-relationship problems, low educational at-relationship problems, low educational at-relationship problems, low educational at-tainment, histories of abuse and trauma and tainment, histories of abuse and trauma and tainment, histories of abuse and trauma and tainment, histories of abuse and trauma and histories of homelessness. Many of the histories of homelessness. Many of the histories of homelessness. Many of the histories of homelessness. Many of the women at Tus Nua are further marginalised women at Tus Nua are further marginalised women at Tus Nua are further marginalised women at Tus Nua are further marginalised and stigmatised because of their criminal and stigmatised because of their criminal and stigmatised because of their criminal and stigmatised because of their criminal history and history of imprisonment. Women history and history of imprisonment. Women history and history of imprisonment. Women history and history of imprisonment. Women are often judged harshly by society and in-are often judged harshly by society and in-are often judged harshly by society and in-are often judged harshly by society and in-stead of experiencing more support from stead of experiencing more support from stead of experiencing more support from stead of experiencing more support from society these women often receive further society these women often receive further society these women often receive further society these women often receive further isolation. isolation. isolation. isolation. The referral process in Tus Nua can take from The referral process in Tus Nua can take from The referral process in Tus Nua can take from The referral process in Tus Nua can take from a few weeks to a few months depending on a few weeks to a few months depending on a few weeks to a few months depending on a few weeks to a few months depending on each individual’s readiness to move to each individual’s readiness to move to each individual’s readiness to move to each individual’s readiness to move to TusTusTusTus Nua, the details of their prison sentence Nua, the details of their prison sentence Nua, the details of their prison sentence Nua, the details of their prison sentence and having appropriate supports identified and having appropriate supports identified and having appropriate supports identified and having appropriate supports identified for release from prison. There are monthly for release from prison. There are monthly for release from prison. There are monthly for release from prison. There are monthly Key Personnel meetings in Dochas with at-Key Personnel meetings in Dochas with at-Key Personnel meetings in Dochas with at-Key Personnel meetings in Dochas with at-tendance from the Irish Prison Service, Pro-tendance from the Irish Prison Service, Pro-tendance from the Irish Prison Service, Pro-tendance from the Irish Prison Service, Pro-bation Service and Tus Nua to determine bation Service and Tus Nua to determine bation Service and Tus Nua to determine bation Service and Tus Nua to determine suitable referrals for the service. suitable referrals for the service. suitable referrals for the service. suitable referrals for the service. In 2010 Tus Nua received immense support In 2010 Tus Nua received immense support In 2010 Tus Nua received immense support In 2010 Tus Nua received immense support from the Irish Prison Service in running infor-from the Irish Prison Service in running infor-from the Irish Prison Service in running infor-from the Irish Prison Service in running infor-mation sessions and promoting Tus Nua mation sessions and promoting Tus Nua mation sessions and promoting Tus Nua mation sessions and promoting Tus Nua among the women in Dochas. The IPS also among the women in Dochas. The IPS also among the women in Dochas. The IPS also among the women in Dochas. The IPS also enables the staff team to hold referral meet-enables the staff team to hold referral meet-enables the staff team to hold referral meet-enables the staff team to hold referral meet-ings in the Dochas Centre with women inter-ings in the Dochas Centre with women inter-ings in the Dochas Centre with women inter-ings in the Dochas Centre with women inter-ested in coming to Tus Nua, this has as-ested in coming to Tus Nua, this has as-ested in coming to Tus Nua, this has as-ested in coming to Tus Nua, this has as-sisted in preparing the women for their re-sisted in preparing the women for their re-sisted in preparing the women for their re-sisted in preparing the women for their re-lease from prison and move on to Tus Nua. lease from prison and move on to Tus Nua. lease from prison and move on to Tus Nua. lease from prison and move on to Tus Nua.

“I have been in Tus Nua several times and for the first couple of times I didn’t really take it seriously. My main fear coming back here was that the staff would judge be-cause I failed the last time, but I was wrong. Everyone here is really friendly and supportive” Service user Tus Nua Service user Tus Nua Service user Tus Nua Service user Tus Nua Aged 31Aged 31Aged 31Aged 31

Tus Nua has a committee that meets regularly to review the management of the service and to ensure that best practice is adhered to. The members of the committee of Tus Nua include senior members of Depaul Ireland, members of the Saint Vincent DePaul, the Governor of Dochas, the Senior Probation officer in Dochas, the Daughters of Charity, a lecturer from Trinity College Dublin, a representative from the local neighbour-hood and a member of the local community Garda team at the Bridewell Garda station. Members of the committee remain an enor-mous support to the Project and their con-tributions to maintaining best practice and support of the work at Tus Nua is greatly appreciated.

In 2010 Tus Nua was audited by the Department of Justice, this audit was carried out over a In 2010 Tus Nua was audited by the Department of Justice, this audit was carried out over a In 2010 Tus Nua was audited by the Department of Justice, this audit was carried out over a In 2010 Tus Nua was audited by the Department of Justice, this audit was carried out over a number of days with audits centrally in Depaul Ireland central office and in Tus Nua. The number of days with audits centrally in Depaul Ireland central office and in Tus Nua. The number of days with audits centrally in Depaul Ireland central office and in Tus Nua. The number of days with audits centrally in Depaul Ireland central office and in Tus Nua. The findings from this audit were very positive for Tus Nua and the recommendations were im-findings from this audit were very positive for Tus Nua and the recommendations were im-findings from this audit were very positive for Tus Nua and the recommendations were im-findings from this audit were very positive for Tus Nua and the recommendations were im-plemented by the end of 2010 within the service.plemented by the end of 2010 within the service.plemented by the end of 2010 within the service.plemented by the end of 2010 within the service. In 2010, Tus Nua continued to benefit from the hard work and dedication of our volunteers In 2010, Tus Nua continued to benefit from the hard work and dedication of our volunteers In 2010, Tus Nua continued to benefit from the hard work and dedication of our volunteers In 2010, Tus Nua continued to benefit from the hard work and dedication of our volunteers and student placements throughout the year. The active involvement of the wider commu-and student placements throughout the year. The active involvement of the wider commu-and student placements throughout the year. The active involvement of the wider commu-and student placements throughout the year. The active involvement of the wider commu-nity is an asset to our work and we strive to increase volunteer involvement at Tus Nua. We nity is an asset to our work and we strive to increase volunteer involvement at Tus Nua. We nity is an asset to our work and we strive to increase volunteer involvement at Tus Nua. We nity is an asset to our work and we strive to increase volunteer involvement at Tus Nua. We see volunteers and student placements as integral in making women feel at home, feel sup-see volunteers and student placements as integral in making women feel at home, feel sup-see volunteers and student placements as integral in making women feel at home, feel sup-see volunteers and student placements as integral in making women feel at home, feel sup-ported and listened to and in bringing a sense of community to the service. ported and listened to and in bringing a sense of community to the service. ported and listened to and in bringing a sense of community to the service. ported and listened to and in bringing a sense of community to the service.


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In 2010 we began working in partnership with the Probation Service Community Service In 2010 we began working in partnership with the Probation Service Community Service In 2010 we began working in partnership with the Probation Service Community Service In 2010 we began working in partnership with the Probation Service Community Service Department. Individuals on community service orders are supervised by Probation to fulfill Department. Individuals on community service orders are supervised by Probation to fulfill Department. Individuals on community service orders are supervised by Probation to fulfill Department. Individuals on community service orders are supervised by Probation to fulfill their community service orders at Tus Nua. This has been a very successful partnership their community service orders at Tus Nua. This has been a very successful partnership their community service orders at Tus Nua. This has been a very successful partnership their community service orders at Tus Nua. This has been a very successful partnership approach both for those on community service and for Tus Nua, offering differing opportu-approach both for those on community service and for Tus Nua, offering differing opportu-approach both for those on community service and for Tus Nua, offering differing opportu-approach both for those on community service and for Tus Nua, offering differing opportu-nities to people within the criminal justice system.nities to people within the criminal justice system.nities to people within the criminal justice system.nities to people within the criminal justice system.

The Probation Service and Tus Nua continue

to work closely together. Working to support

vulnerable women leaving custody and inte-

grating back into the community. Tus Nua

provides transitional accommodation for

women for up to six months. Given the high

number of clients facing homelessness

when leaving custody, Tus Nua has been an

essential resource to the Probation Service.

Staff from Tus Nua regularly visit the Prison

to inform the women about their service.

Referrals for information are made through

the Probation Service and candidates are

met by Tus Nua for information sessions

about the project. This works well as it pre-

pares interested clients for the project and

gives them a clear understanding of the

nature of the work in Tus Nua and what is

expected from the client while residing at

the project.

Following this, interested candidates are

referred by the Probation Service and are

met by Tus Nua on a one to one basis for

assessment. Visits to the Project are also

provided for preparation purposes. Monthly

meetings continue to be held at the Dochas

Centre between Prison Management, Tus

Nua and the Probation Service to discuss

and consider referrals.

Tus Nua assists and supports women reinte-

grating back into the community. They work

in co operation with the supervising Proba-

tion Officer, addressing issues around long

term accommodation plans, education/

training, addiction issues and offending

behaviour. The Probation Service team is

very appreciate of the work and dedication

of staff at Tus Nua in providing this profes-

sional and essential service.

Patricia M PurcellPatricia M PurcellPatricia M PurcellPatricia M Purcell

Probation ServicesProbation ServicesProbation ServicesProbation Services

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One only has to enter the project to see that Tus Nua has truly realised the vision of Depaul Ireland. However this welcoming homely environment is not only extended to Tus Nua service users but also to the volun-teers and student placements, who are always made to feel very much appreciated and part of the team. They work alongside dedicated staff to provide a safe environ-ment and the best possible service to the service users.

The volunteer programme was established to enable individuals from the community to become involved in the work of the organi-sation. The programme aims to develop the skills of the volunteers and student place-ments whilst simultaneously enabling Depaul Ireland to offer a more multifaceted approach to our services.

Volunteers and student placements in Tus Nua are invaluable to the service as they enable us to add to the opportunities that we can offer our service users. Every volun-teer and student placement brings their own personality, skills and ideas to the service and therefore the roles and activi-ties are ever evolving.

Activities include practical assistance such as accompanying service users to appoint-ments and assisting with daily tasks.

Social activities are arranged such as Arts & Crafts sessions, gardening, pampering sessions, jewellery making and trips to the cinema or theatre. In 2010 along with staff and volunteers one of the service users from Tus Nua completed the women’s mini marathon in Dublin which was a huge achievement. We hope to build on this in-volvement in 2011.

Volunteers and Student placements also assist staff in providing the women with essential life skills required for independent living through cooking skills during the biweekly communal meals and encouraging their attendance of day courses.

Also in 2010 Tus Nua had the pleasure of hosting 2 full time EVS (European voluntary Service) volunteers thanks to funding re-ceived from the Youth in Action programme of the European Commission. This pro-gramme allows us to add a unique cultural dimension to Tus Nua whereby our service users benefit from the energy and enthusi-asm of the young person, whilst learning about their culture.

Orla McAndrewOrla McAndrewOrla McAndrewOrla McAndrew Volunteer CoordinatorVolunteer CoordinatorVolunteer CoordinatorVolunteer Coordinator

IN TUS NUA “EVERYONE HAS A PLACE TO CALL HOME AND A STAKE IN THEIR COMMUNITY”


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In 2010 we celebrated international women’s day on the 8th of March we had a celebration for the women at Tus Nua.

We held an external event in May 2010 inviting our external partners. We pre-sented information on Tus Nua in 2009 assessing the outcomes of the service. Our service users also contributed by writing their personal accounts of Tus Nua. We had a presentation from Paula Mayock and Sarah Sheridan from Trinity College Dublin on Women in Homelessness with particular focus on women who have experiences of imprisonment. We also had a presentation from Karen Murphy from Chrysalis speak-ing on women in the community with com-plex support needs and the supports avail-able. The event was well received.

We held a painting project in early 2010 which resulted in a local exhibition and tea

party at Tus Nua in July 2010 and our paint-ings were exhibited at the Phibsboro festi-val an excellent achievement for the service users and staff who produced the paintings.

Our service users worked with an artist at Tus Nua in August 2010 to make a submis-sion for Life’s no picnic on the street a Depaul Ireland campaign at Electric Picnic.

Our service users were also invited to input into the research carried out by Paula Mayock in Trinity College Dublin on women in Homelessness and the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) research on Reintegration of prisoners in Ireland.

As well as the activities above we also had weekly volunteering activities. Without the volunteers at Tus Nua we could not offer such a holistic and well rounded service of support.

2010 WHAT WE DID

Life skills are an integral part of any one’s life. The skills we need to handle life on a day to day basis may be something we don’t give a lot of thought to. Going to the supermarket for groceries, coming home and cooking dinner can be taken for granted.

For the service users of Tus Nua that simple task might be quite daunting. For some the lack of knowledge about how to manage money can make going shopping a huge undertaking, let alone the cooking of the meal. As the Life Skills Coordinator of Depaul Ireland life skills work in an integral part of the Tus Nua programme built into their individual support plans in a very sup-portive way.

A full range of Life skills are covered bring-ing the service user closer to being self reliant, from the basic skills like cooking and money management to the very impor-tant skills of rebuilding and maintaining the service users self esteem and confidence. The approach taken in Tus Nua is client focused, works at the service users pace, and is one that teaches the skills of fishing rather than just being fed. Sandra Losty Sandra Losty Sandra Losty Sandra Losty Life Skills CoordinatorLife Skills CoordinatorLife Skills CoordinatorLife Skills Coordinator

LIFE SKILLS PROGRAMME “GIVE A MAN A FISH AND HE EATS FOR A DAY. TEACH HIM TO FISH AND HE CAN FEED HIMSELF FOR LIFE ”

YearYearYearYear No. of Service UsersNo. of Service UsersNo. of Service UsersNo. of Service Users Occupancy levels % Resettlement Unable to SustainOccupancy levels % Resettlement Unable to SustainOccupancy levels % Resettlement Unable to SustainOccupancy levels % Resettlement Unable to Sustain Residence Residence Residence Residence

2003 16 46% 0 12

2004 12 59% 3 7

2005 26 60% 3 17

2006 21 76% 2 10

2007 22 + 1 repeat service user 72% 6 8




Total Total Total Total 146146146146 28282828 63636363

Priority Support Needs Presented Priority Support Needs Presented Priority Support Needs Presented Priority Support Needs Presented These figures represent the number of women experiencing these needs some women may present with more than one of these needs.

YearYearYearYear Alcohol use Alcohol use Alcohol use Alcohol use Drug use Mental Health Challenging Drug use Mental Health Challenging Drug use Mental Health Challenging Drug use Mental Health Challenging (suspected) Issues BehaviourIssues BehaviourIssues BehaviourIssues Behaviour

2003 6 12 3 8

2004 10 14 5 8

2005 11 17 11 10

2006 5 13 4 2

2007 3 12 5 4

2008 8 11 15 11

2009 5 12 12 10

2010 5 12 14 12

TotalTotalTotalTotal 53535353 103103103103 69696969 65656565

Tenancy duration Tenancy duration Tenancy duration Tenancy duration

2010* 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Under 9 days 0 0 0 2 4 4 0 3

Between 9- 31 days 2 1 3 2 3 8 2 9

31- 90 days (1-3 months) 4 7 4 9 2 10 4 5

90 – 150 days (3-5 months) 1 6 5 5 2 1 4 3

5 months plus 7 4 7 5 5 3 4 0

*At the 2010 year end 6 residents continued over to 2011 their tenancy duration statistics are included and calcu-

lated from when they moved in until the 2010 year end. One of these service users arrived in December 2010; one

service user arrived in November 2010, one service user in October 2010, one service user in April 2010 and one in

February 2010.

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COMPARISON STATISTICS 2003—2009


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STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

OccupancyOccupancyOccupancyOccupancy

In 2010 the occupancy was 95% a rise of 5% based on 2009 occupancy levels.

Number of women residing in Tus NuaNumber of women residing in Tus NuaNumber of women residing in Tus NuaNumber of women residing in Tus Nua

14 women resided in Tus Nua in 2010 with one woman returning during the year. In total since Tus Nua opened in 2003, 146 women have been accommodated at Tus Nua. 1 woman was unable to sustain her accommodation in 2010 however we accept re referrals and this does not limit options for re referral in the future at any time.

ResettlementResettlementResettlementResettlement 4 women were resettled in 2010. The tenancy in Tus Nua has been for up to 12 months, however in 2011 this will change to 6 months for all new referrals. The need for specific accommodation for women with complex needs is increasing. The need for specialist long term accommodation for women with complex support needs is also hugely evident. Es-pecially longer term accommodation for women who may for differing reasons be unable to sustain fully independent accommodation when leaving Tus Nua. We are increasingly experiencing difficulties with accessing long term accommodation options for the women we support at Tus Nua.

CLOSING COMMENT

The women featured in the report speak in such an articulate way about the experience of imprison-ment and the challenge of putting lives back on track. Listening to these women and putting their views at the heart of our work means that this pre-sents for us a huge responsibility in how Depaul Ireland responds. We provide an answer to this responsibility by not standing still.

Tus Nua remains relevant because it constantly examines how it can improve. For example 2010 saw the service beginning to work with women to resettle within the community within a six month period. This has meant that both Tus Nua and the women accommodated have to work in a more fo-cused way. The staff and volunteers and service users have grasped this responsibility with vigour and enthusiasm recognising that much can be achieved if the will and the spirit exists to pursue it.

Tus Nua possesses these qualities in abundance and we look forward to 2011 with huge optimism that the ground breaking work with women who have experienced imprisonment will continue to develop and flourish. But also is done in a way that recognises the myriad of pressures that are being presented by a society that is evolving considera-bly.

Thanks have to go to all our partners without whom we would not be able to achieve so much including the Society of Saint Vincent the Dochas Unit and the Probation Service.

David Carroll David Carroll David Carroll David Carroll

Director of Services Depaul IrelandDirector of Services Depaul IrelandDirector of Services Depaul IrelandDirector of Services Depaul Ireland

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THANKS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We could not work in isolation at Tus Nua, to support the service users cooperation and commitment is necessary. This is provided by a variety of individuals and services. The partnership working and support provided by the Probation Service is invaluable. The support of former Governor Kathleen Mc Mahon and Governor Mary O Connor in 2010 has been invaluable as well as the support of senior Probation officer Janice Kelly and the Probation team in Dochas. Thanks also go to the extensive external services that support the work we do with the service users. Finally thanks go to the SVP and the management committee at Tus Nua, the team of full time staff and relief staff, the part time and full time volunteers, our student placements, and central Depaul Ireland departments for the constant support given to Tus Nua.


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If you are interested in learning more about Tus Nua, the work of Depaul Ireland or would like more copies of this Annual Report, please contact: Depaul Ireland Services Department 18 Nicholas Street, Dublin 8. Dublin Head Office Belfast Office 00353 (0) 1 453 7111 / T 0044 (0) 28 9020 2245 / T 00353 (0) 1 453 7551 / F 0044 (0) 28 9020 2246 / F [email protected] / E www. depaulireland.org / W

Tus Nua Annual Report 2010

Documents

tus nua programme

numbers of women

probation service

irish prison service

service users insight

service users perspective

supportive residential

board of managementchair