New Kildare initiative to tackle substance misuse

AN INFORMATION meeting on a pioneering initiative to aid substance misuse prevention and youth well-being was held in Newbridge last week.

Senator Aubrey McCarty, chairperson of the Substance Use Regional Forum (SURF), has welcomed key community leaders, service providers, and local government representatives to the Keadeen Hotel for the first Irish key leader information session on Communities That Care (CTC).

This pioneering initiative, which has been implemented in the United States, Germany, and across Europe, is now being introduced in Ireland with support from the Department of Health, the Department of Justice, and Kildare County Council.

CTC is an evidence-based prevention model designed to strengthen communities, reduce risks for young people, and promote well-being through data-driven decision-making and collaborative leadership.

Senator McCarty highlighted the importance of strong community leadership in ensuring that this initiative is not only introduced but fully embedded for lasting impact.

“The success of Communities That Care relies on the commitment of our community leaders, service providers, and stakeholders. Your engagement is key to ensuring this framework is embraced and delivers real, measurable change. By working together, we can create safer, healthier communities and give young people the opportunities they deserve,” said Senator McCarty.

The session was facilitated by Dalene Beaulieu, a CTC specialist from Washington State University, who is providing mentorship to Darren Shanahan, the Newbridge CTC Coordinator.

Ms Beaulieu shared insights from the field of prevention science, which has evolved over the past 40 years and is rooted in research including that developed by Dr David Hawkins, an international leader in the field and the son of an Irish immigrant.

“CTC is about empowering communities with a structured, research-backed approach to prevention. It is a model that has been proven to work in multiple countries, and now we are excited to see it take root in Ireland,” Ms Beaulieu explained.

The event saw participation from key local stakeholders, including: mayor of Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District Peggy O’Dwyer, and vice mayor Chris Pender.

Representatives from HSE, TUSLA, An Garda Síochána, and Kildare County Council along with Emma Berney (Children & Young People’s Services Coordinator) and Evonne Boland (Newbridge Community Development) attended.

These leaders, alongside local agencies, are instrumental in Safer Newbridge, an initiative focused on fostering a safer and healthier community. The discussions reinforced that collaboration is critical to tackling complex social challenges, particularly in relation to substance use prevention and youth well-being.

Senator McCarty compared CTC’s approach to the work of Drug and Alcohol Task Forces, emphasizing the need for multi-agency cooperation and community-driven action.

“CTC aligns perfectly with our existing efforts to address substance use. By bringing together statutory, community, and voluntary sector stakeholders, we can develop a more effective, integrated response to local challenges,” he said.

SURF is committed to working closely with its partners to build the capacity of communities and ensure CTC is effectively implemented across the region. Following the successful Key Leader session in Newbridge, the initiative will continue to expand, engaging more local leaders and service providers in a collective effort to create positive, long-term change for young people.