tus nua annual report 2009

ANNUAL REPORT ANNUAL REPORT ANNUAL REPORT ANNUAL REPORT 2009200920092009

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

Mission and Aims of Tus Nua 02

Vision, Mission and Values of Depaul Ireland 03

Tus Nua Project Information 2009 04

Partnership Working 06

Understanding the Challenges Faced by women with Complex Needs 08

Tus Nua volunteers and Student Placements 11

Service User Involvement 13

Comparison Statistics 14

Statistical Analysis 15

Closing Comment 16

Thanks and Acknowledgements 17

FOREWORD

2009 was a year of change and develop-ment for us. Tus Nua (a collaboration between Depaul Ireland and the Society of St Vincent de Paul and funded by the Probation Service) remains a unique service providing support in a residential setting for women leaving prison to assist them towards independent living and reintegration into society but we were anxious to make it more accessible. In 2009 a decision was made to further lower the threshold for entry. Greater occupancy levels were achieved; during the year many positive outcomes resulted for those women using the service and more outreach services were provided. These policy changes were fully sup-ported by the Probation Service and the Dochas Centre to whom we are most grateful. On behalf of the Board of Management, I wish to acknowledge the professionalism and dedication of the management and staff in Tus Nua not only in spearheading the developments which occurred but also for the operation of the service in a caring and effective manner. It is with deep regret that I record the death of Brian Monaghan member of the Board of Management. Brian (a member of SVPs Prison Visitors Guild) had been involved in Tus Nua from the beginning. His commitment and clear vision made a major contribution. He is greatly missed.

Larry Tuomey Larry Tuomey Larry Tuomey Larry Tuomey

Chair, Board of ManagementChair, Board of ManagementChair, Board of ManagementChair, Board of Management

INTRODUCTION

It has been a very successful time at Tus Nua in 2009. The work that began in 2008 to further lower the threshold of the service has been advanced. By continuing to develop the low threshold ethos at Tus Nua, we are committed to making sure that the women who most need the service can access it easily. We ensure that the support available to this marginalised client group is responsive to each individuals needs. In 2009 we have continued to provide a flexible approach and the space necessary for each service user to address personal challenges, and make positive plans and choices for the future, in order to reintegrate back into wider society. It is vital that women who have been margin-alised within our society are given the opportunity to realise their full potential in a respectful inclusive environment. It is important to recognise that this could not be achieved without the hard work and dedication of the staff and volun-teers at Tus Nua, on a day to day basis. I would like to acknowledge their commit-ment. It is important that we work in conjunction with other services and partners to enable us to achieve our objectives at Tus Nua. I would like to thank the Tus Nua committee, the Probation Service, the Prison service, the SVP and all our external partners for their sustained partnership support, we look forward to this continuing into the future. I am delighted to welcome you to the Tus Nua Project Report for 2009. 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 2009

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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

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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

Tus Nua is part of a wider organisa-tion, 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


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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

Tus Nua has been in operation since Tus Nua has been in operation since Tus Nua has been in operation since Tus Nua has been in operation since February 2003, and is funded by the February 2003, and is funded by the February 2003, and is funded by the February 2003, and is funded by the Probation Service.Probation Service.Probation Service.Probation Service. Tus Nua is a specialist Tus Nua is a specialist Tus Nua is a specialist Tus Nua is a specialist residential service working with single residential service working with single residential service working with single residential service working with single homeless women leaving prison. We also homeless women leaving prison. We also homeless women leaving prison. We also homeless women leaving prison. We also work with women with a history of work with women with a history of work with women with a history of work with women with a history of offending behaviour who have been offending behaviour who have been offending behaviour who have been offending behaviour who have been referred from the Probation service and referred from the Probation service and referred from the Probation service and referred from the Probation service and other external services in the community. other external services in the community. other external services in the community. other external services in the community. Those referred have been identified as Those referred have been identified as Those referred have been identified as Those referred have been identified as homeless or at risk of becoming homeless or at risk of becoming homeless or at risk of becoming homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. All women must have an homeless. All women must have an homeless. All women must have an homeless. All women must have an interest in taking part in the programme interest in taking part in the programme interest in taking part in the programme interest in taking part in the programme of support at the project. The project of support at the project. The project of support at the project. The project of support at the project. The project promotes a harm reduction technique and promotes a harm reduction technique and promotes a harm reduction technique and promotes a harm reduction technique and aims to ensure a safe and drug free aims to ensure a safe and drug free aims to ensure a safe and drug free aims to ensure a safe and drug free environment. We work in a low threshold environment. We work in a low threshold environment. We work in a low threshold environment. We work in a low threshold way with women with complex needs.way with women with complex needs.way with women with complex needs.way with women with complex needs. “I was extremely nervous about beginning my tenancy at Tus Nua. I had been told by others that I wouldn’t like it but this was proven to be untrue. I have got so much support from staff and was made to feel very welcome when I arrived. There is always a friendly and positive approach to things here. I am happy I made my own decision about coming. There are loads of activities to get involved in with staff and volunteers. I hope to stay at Tus Nua for 12 months and work on my issues, I really like living here.” Service user, Tus Nua, aged 23Service user, Tus Nua, aged 23Service user, Tus Nua, aged 23Service user, Tus Nua, aged 23

All service users at Tus Nua are All service users at Tus Nua are All service users at Tus Nua are All service users at Tus Nua are appointed a key worker and secondary appointed a key worker and secondary appointed a key worker and secondary appointed a key worker and secondary keyworker to ensure they can access all keyworker to ensure they can access all keyworker to ensure they can access all keyworker to ensure they can access all the services they require and receive the the services they require and receive the the services they require and receive the the services they require and receive the appropriate support. A support plan is appropriate support. A support plan is appropriate support. A support plan is appropriate support. A support plan is developed between the service user and developed between the service user and developed between the service user and developed between the service user and key worker, this key worker, this key worker, this key worker, this plan addresses the plan addresses the plan addresses the plan addresses the current and future needs of the current and future needs of the current and future needs of the current and future needs of the individual, it individual, it individual, it individual, it is client centred and is client centred and is client centred and is client centred and reviewed regularly. The support plan reviewed regularly. The support plan reviewed regularly. The support plan reviewed regularly. The support plan can cover areas such as life skills, can cover areas such as life skills, can cover areas such as life skills, can cover areas such as life skills, budgeting, alcohol harm reduction, budgeting, alcohol harm reduction, budgeting, alcohol harm reduction, budgeting, alcohol harm reduction, referral to detox, referral for education referral to detox, referral for education referral to detox, referral for education referral to detox, referral for education and health and mental health support. and health and mental health support. and health and mental health support. and health and mental health support. Initially key workers work hard on Initially key workers work hard on Initially key workers work hard on Initially key workers work hard on relationship building with service users relationship building with service users relationship building with service users relationship building with service users to ensure they feel confident with the to ensure they feel confident with the to ensure they feel confident with the to ensure they feel confident with the support they will receive and can support they will receive and can support they will receive and can support they will receive and can discuss any personal issues they have. discuss any personal issues they have. discuss any personal issues they have. discuss any personal issues they have. Tus Nua could not work in isolation, Tus Nua could not work in isolation, Tus Nua could not work in isolation, Tus Nua could not work in isolation, partnership working with external partnership working with external partnership working with external partnership working with external agencies is highly important to the work agencies is highly important to the work agencies is highly important to the work agencies is highly important to the work undertaken; a case management undertaken; a case management undertaken; a case management undertaken; a case management approach is used when working with approach is used when working with approach is used when working with approach is used when working with external agencies to ensure the areas of external agencies to ensure the areas of external agencies to ensure the areas of external agencies to ensure the areas of each support plan can be achieved by each support plan can be achieved by each support plan can be achieved by each support plan can be achieved by the service users.the service users.the service users.the service users. “It is important that we work closely with other services to support the women we work with at Tus Nua. It is equally as important to highlight the gaps that exist in services for marginalised women in order to enable them to progress in a positive manner. Interagency networking and partnership is important so that we support the service users in a holistic way. Through good communication at Tus Nua, the services are kept constantly up-dated. Case meetings take place regularly at Tus Nua and we make sure that work is not duplicated and there are clear follow ups by the service user and by all professionals involved.” Yvonne Campbell Yvonne Campbell Yvonne Campbell Yvonne Campbell Project Worker, Tus NuaProject Worker, Tus NuaProject Worker, Tus NuaProject Worker, Tus Nua

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TUS NUA PROJECT INFORMATION 2009

During the service users’ stay of 12 During the service users’ stay of 12 During the service users’ stay of 12 During the service users’ stay of 12 months with staff support they look for months with staff support they look for months with staff support they look for months with staff support they look for suitable longsuitable longsuitable longsuitable long----term accommodation. The term accommodation. The term accommodation. The term accommodation. The project provides the time and space project provides the time and space project provides the time and space project provides the time and space during which service users can address during which service users can address during which service users can address during which service users can address the problems which led to their housing the problems which led to their housing the problems which led to their housing the problems which led to their housing crisis and prison sentence. Tus Nua crisis and prison sentence. Tus Nua crisis and prison sentence. Tus Nua crisis and prison sentence. Tus Nua supports women to gain practical skills, supports women to gain practical skills, supports women to gain practical skills, supports women to gain practical skills, this enables them to make pro social this enables them to make pro social this enables them to make pro social this enables them to make pro social choices and reintegrate into the choices and reintegrate into the choices and reintegrate into the choices and reintegrate into the community.community.community.community. “I really like it here I’ve learnt a lot and I have improved my skills like cooking. I think it’s very flexible and all the Project staff are very nice and helpful. My keyworker has been great I have got great help from her. I am looking forward to moving on to my own place but I will miss it here in Tus Nua when it’s my time to move on.” Service user, Tus Nua, aged 36 Service user, Tus Nua, aged 36 Service user, Tus Nua, aged 36 Service user, Tus Nua, aged 36

Tus Nua also offers follow on aftercare Tus Nua also offers follow on aftercare Tus Nua also offers follow on aftercare Tus Nua also offers follow on aftercare support for up to 6 weeks for women support for up to 6 weeks for women support for up to 6 weeks for women support for up to 6 weeks for women after they move on to help with settling after they move on to help with settling after they move on to help with settling after they move on to help with settling into the wider community. This can be into the wider community. This can be into the wider community. This can be into the wider community. This can be very beneficial as it eases the stress of very beneficial as it eases the stress of very beneficial as it eases the stress of very beneficial as it eases the stress of the move. Meeting new people and the move. Meeting new people and the move. Meeting new people and the move. Meeting new people and getting used to a new area can take time getting used to a new area can take time getting used to a new area can take time getting used to a new area can take time and the staff team offer support with this and the staff team offer support with this and the staff team offer support with this and the staff team offer support with this transitional period. This support also transitional period. This support also transitional period. This support also transitional period. This support also helps to identify any additional areas of helps to identify any additional areas of helps to identify any additional areas of helps to identify any additional areas of need that require assistance. need that require assistance. need that require assistance. 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. On behalf of each service user moving on from Tus Nua their appointed keyworker will liaise with other agencies. This assists with becoming more settled, and helps to establish new relationships with other agencies before disengaging from the support at Tus Nua. This interagency work also enables the develop-ment of support plans, so that each woman does not feel isolated and has decided on a clear direction for herself.” Cat Barrett Cat Barrett Cat Barrett Cat Barrett Project Worker, Tus NuaProject Worker, Tus NuaProject Worker, Tus NuaProject Worker, Tus Nua


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Tus Nua is funded by the Probation Tus Nua is funded by the Probation Tus Nua is funded by the Probation Tus Nua is funded by the Probation Service and we work closely with the Service and we work closely with the Service and we work closely with the Service and we work closely with the teams in Dochas and in the community to teams in Dochas and in the community to teams in Dochas and in the community to teams in Dochas and in the community to support the service users. support the service users. support the service users. support the service users. Our referrals come from Probation in Our referrals come from Probation in Our referrals come from Probation in Our referrals come from Probation in Dochas and in the community and we also Dochas and in the community and we also Dochas and in the community and we also Dochas and in the community and we also accept referrals from the Irish Commis-accept referrals from the Irish Commis-accept referrals from the Irish Commis-accept referrals from the Irish Commis-sion for Prisoners Overseas (ICPO). sion for Prisoners Overseas (ICPO). sion for Prisoners Overseas (ICPO). sion for Prisoners Overseas (ICPO). We hold monthly Key Personnel meetings We hold monthly Key Personnel meetings We hold monthly Key Personnel meetings We hold monthly Key Personnel meetings in Dochas with attendance from the Irish in Dochas with attendance from the Irish in Dochas with attendance from the Irish in Dochas with attendance from the Irish Prison Service, Probation Service and Prison Service, Probation Service and Prison Service, Probation Service and Prison Service, Probation Service and Tus Nua to discuss suitable referrals for Tus Nua to discuss suitable referrals for Tus Nua to discuss suitable referrals for Tus Nua to discuss suitable referrals for the servicethe servicethe servicethe service

During the last year the working relationship between the Probation Service and Tus Nua has strengthened even further. We have worked in partnership in an effort to support women in the transition from custody to life back in the community.

Tus Nua is a valuable and valued resource to the Probation Service. The hands on approach that Tus Nua adopts is really beneficial. The staff team regularly visit the Dochas Centre to advise women of the service they provide. They also meet with women on a one to one basis and facilitate visits to the project for women who are interested in living there. Monthly meetings take place in the Dochas Centre between prison management and staff from Tus Nua and the Probation Service to ensure every woman interested in the project is considered and given an opportunity to refer to Tus Nua.

Staff from Tus Nua are aware of all the details of the pre release plans that are put in place with women prior to their release. They assist women in following through on the plans they have made.

When women move to Tus Nua everything is done to make them feel as comfortable and welcome as possible. The transition from prison back to the community can be difficult so it is important that all the necessary supports are in place. The Probation Team in Dochas works closely with staff in Tus Nua to assist the women addressing issues relating to their offending behaviour and to help them resettle back into the community.

The Probation Service team in Dochas is very appreciative of the commitment; dedication and support the team at Tus Nua give to the women, to assist them making positive changes in their lives. Janice Kelly Janice Kelly Janice Kelly Janice Kelly Senior Probation Officer, Dochas CentreSenior Probation Officer, Dochas CentreSenior Probation Officer, Dochas CentreSenior Probation Officer, Dochas Centre

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PARTNERSHIP WORKING

Tus Nua has a committee that meets regularly to review the management of the Tus Nua has a committee that meets regularly to review the management of the Tus Nua has a committee that meets regularly to review the management of the Tus Nua has a committee that meets regularly to review the management of the service and to ensure that best practice is adhered to. service and to ensure that best practice is adhered to. service and to ensure that best practice is adhered to. service and to ensure that best practice is adhered to.

The members include senior members of Depaul Ireland, members of the Saint The members include senior members of Depaul Ireland, members of the Saint The members include senior members of Depaul Ireland, members of the Saint The members include senior members of Depaul Ireland, members of the Saint Vincent DePaul, the Governor of Dochas, the Senior Probation officer in Dochas, the Vincent DePaul, the Governor of Dochas, the Senior Probation officer in Dochas, the Vincent DePaul, the Governor of Dochas, the Senior Probation officer in Dochas, the Vincent DePaul, the Governor of Dochas, the Senior Probation officer in Dochas, the Daughters of Charity, the Guild of St Philip, a representative from the local Daughters of Charity, the Guild of St Philip, a representative from the local Daughters of Charity, the Guild of St Philip, a representative from the local Daughters of Charity, the Guild of St Philip, a representative from the local neighbourhood and a member of the local community Garda team at the Bridewell neighbourhood and a member of the local community Garda team at the Bridewell neighbourhood and a member of the local community Garda team at the Bridewell neighbourhood and a member of the local community Garda team at the Bridewell Garda station. Garda station. Garda station. Garda station.

Members of the committee remain an enormous support to the Project and their Members of the committee remain an enormous support to the Project and their Members of the committee remain an enormous support to the Project and their Members of the committee remain an enormous support to the Project and their contributions to maintaining best practice and support of the work at Tus Nua is to contributions to maintaining best practice and support of the work at Tus Nua is to contributions to maintaining best practice and support of the work at Tus Nua is to contributions to maintaining best practice and support of the work at Tus Nua is to be commended.be commended.be commended.be commended.


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Tus Nua also works closely with the Irish Prison Service and receives immense support from Governor Kathleen McMahon and her team supporting the running of information sessions and promotion of Tus Nua among women in Dochas. As well as enabling effective referral meetings in Dochas and assisting in preparing the women for their release from prison and move on to Tus Nua.

The majority of referrals to Tus Nua come from the Probation Service in Dochas however we also accept referrals from the community and the ICPO. Potential service users are also identified at information sessions in Dochas.

The referral process in Tus Nua can take from a few weeks to a few months depending on each individual’s readiness to move, the details of their prison sentence and having appropriate supports identified for release from prison. Information sessions are held twice monthly in Dochas to raise awareness of Tus Nua as a potential option upon leaving prison. We offer these sessions as an informal opportunity for women who are interested in the service to ask questions and meet staff before continuing on with the referral process. This enables them to make their own deci-sions on coming to Tus Nua and decide whether the service would be the right place for them. Individual referral meetings will then take place upon the request of probation

and the woman being referred and are held in Dochas when it has been decided to proceed with the referral. There is an average of 3 meetings held prior to coming to Tus Nua. These referral meetings enable the potential service user to discuss their needs, goals and expectations as well as the projects expectations of their 12 month tenancy.

Where possible the keyworker will be introduced to begin support planning prior to moving to Tus Nua as it is important to begin their working relationship. Often 3 way meetings will be held prior to release to ensure a case management approach is followed. Women are encouraged to discuss any concerns at every stage of the referral process and ultimately it is their decision if they want to come to Tus Nua Sinead Henry Sinead Henry Sinead Henry Sinead Henry

Deputy Manager, Tus Nua Deputy Manager, Tus Nua Deputy Manager, Tus Nua Deputy Manager, Tus Nua

The importance of working in a The importance of working in a The importance of working in a The importance of working in a low threshold way at Tus Nua with low threshold way at Tus Nua with low threshold way at Tus Nua with low threshold way at Tus Nua with homeless women with complex needs.homeless women with complex needs.homeless women with complex needs.homeless women with complex needs.

Tus Nua works in order to meet our service user’s needs and characteristics in an individualised and realistic way. The support is focused around each individual’s personal day-to-day lives such as improving their life skills, keeping up with their appointments, accessing a day course and linking with other services. Other skills such as developing personal boundaries, assertiveness, decision making skills, maintaining personal safety, harm reduction techniques and relapse prevention strategies are learned or improved through regular keyworking and groupwork sessions. It is important for us to work in conjunction with the Probation Service and work in a flexible way to prevent the risk of re-offending, as women with complex needs are very vulnerable, therefore more prone to be trapped in the cycle of offending. It is vital that service users have access to specific health services such as alcohol/ drug rehabilitation services and treatment centres, counselling services, the Depaul Ireland nurse, and register with a GP, as well as other social services from the community. After they gain some emotional and social stability, the women can move on into long term supported housing or private rented accommodation with the support required. It is recognised that this can be a difficult transition so Tus Nua offers an outreach service provided to women on leaving or if the

service user disengages from the programme; this includes additional support around the woman’s needs and help re-engaging with social services.

The Tus Nua staff team is aiming to be flexible and to constantly improve the quality of services offered. In 2009 as part of the in-house programme, art sessions were introduced for a length of two months resulting in a public art exhibition. The exhibition was part of the fundraising project called “Home for Christmas” organised by Depaul Ireland. The participants were able to exhibit and sell their paintings to the general public; this was a good opportunity to break down some of the barriers for the women in engaging within the wider community. As well as dissipating some prejudices people may have of women who have been imprisoned. Carmen Iordache Carmen Iordache Carmen Iordache Carmen Iordache Project Worker, Tus NuaProject Worker, Tus NuaProject Worker, Tus NuaProject Worker, Tus Nua

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UNDERSTANDING THE CHALLENGES FACED BY WOMEN WITH COMPLEX NEEDS

The challenges faced by women with The challenges faced by women with The challenges faced by women with The challenges faced by women with complex needs leaving prison and the complex needs leaving prison and the complex needs leaving prison and the complex needs leaving prison and the role for Tus Nua in supporting the women role for Tus Nua in supporting the women role for Tus Nua in supporting the women role for Tus Nua in supporting the women with these challenges. with these challenges. with these challenges. with these challenges.

Women come to Tus Nua often after experiencing difficult lives frequently associated with factors such as poverty, substance abuse, family dysfunction, low educational attainment, histories of abuse both in childhood and adulthood, intergenerational criminal behaviour and histories of homelessness. Many of the women at Tus Nua by virtue of their personal criminal history and having been a prisoner in the Dochas have acquired further marginalisation and stigmatisation. While this is difficult for any person, women are often judged harshly by society. Often instead of experiencing more support from society these vulnerable women receive judgement and rejection. While women living at Tus Nua have undeniable difficulties to overcome, they also have many strengths which makes working with the women possible. Often there is a keen interest to make changes in their lives, a willingness to accept help and motivation to take action on their own behalf. Tus Nua’s role is to facilitate the women to make positive changes in their lives and to add momentum to their determination for change.

Advocacy is a big part of our role in order to help have these women’s voices heard and is hugely a important element of the work. We also challenge the women to push themselves beyond their comfort zones, to try harder and to progress. We provide structure and a place of reliability for the women to work from and experience new things which their lives up till now may have caused them to miss out on. Ultimately the most important thing to ensure the women receive from the project is respect, something which can often be in short supply in these women’s lives. Sheila O’Connor Sheila O’Connor Sheila O’Connor Sheila O’Connor Project Worker, Tus NuaProject Worker, Tus NuaProject Worker, Tus NuaProject Worker, Tus Nua


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The challenges associated with The challenges associated with The challenges associated with The challenges associated with reintegration into society for reintegration into society for reintegration into society for reintegration into society for women leaving prison.women leaving prison.women leaving prison.women leaving prison.

The challenges women face when referred to Tus Nua can be in abundance and vary depending on their presenting needs and issues that need to be addressed upon their release. One of the biggest challenges faced is the actual transition from Dochas to Tus Nua; living independ-ently in their own apartment and adapting to the programme at Tus Nua. A lot of women who arrive at Tus Nua express their fears and anxieties about leaving prison as they have become so used to the routine of prison life and often find the transitional process of moving towards independent living overwhelming and experience emotional shock.

The barriers associated with this are that of changing learnt behaviours, because of the environments in which many service users at Tus Nua have lived they often have mistaken ideas of ‘normal’ behaviour therefore they may have a hard time even recognising what is socially unacceptable. But beyond understanding antisocial behaviour, service users also have to learn how to resist the pressures to participate in such activities.

Another common challenge these women have encountered is the breakdown of family relationships due to imprisonment and re-establishing a family life; in several cases this leads to a number of service users at Tus Nua feeling further isolated consequently affecting their self esteem. Rebuilding family networks, is viewed in Tus Nua as an important resource for reintegrating women into the community. Some service users have had minimal contact with their children throughout their prison sentence and

have had limited parenting skills, often finding the initial contact with their family, post prison release, very upsetting and can express feelings of powerless-ness. The majority of women referred to Tus Nua have limited work experience and job skills, having a criminal record to a large extent reduces their prospects of securing employment, increasing the difficulty in feeling part of society. The stigmatised perception of female ex-offenders in rela-tion to potential employers and commu-nity members has greatly frustrated many service users and more often resulted in some developing an attitude of ‘Why bother?’ and ‘I give up’, envisioning their future in the community as bleak.

While the process of reintegrating into society from prison is fraught with challenges that can lead to rejections, disappointments and temptations, Tus Nua believes it is also a time for self-renewal and transformation and acknowledges the difficulties and obstacles women referred to the service face when re-entering society. Tus Nua facilitates the women’s re-entry process and to help meet these challenges the service aims to avert recidivism, develop women’s independent living skills, address issues that lead to offending behaviour, promote their participation in education and training and offer support and direction to create a smoother and less daunting transition back into community life.

Yvonne Morris Yvonne Morris Yvonne Morris Yvonne Morris Project Worker, Tus NuaProject Worker, Tus NuaProject Worker, Tus NuaProject Worker, Tus Nua

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At Tus Nua we try to create a safe, supportive environment for the people living there, no matter how temporarily. We believe we cannot achieve our mission without the active involvement of the wider community and we strive to increase volunteer involvement in our work. We see volunteers and student placements as integral in making residents feel at home, feel supported and listened to and in bringing a sense of community to our projects.

Tus Nua continued to greatly benefit from the hard work and dedication of our volunteers and student place-ments throughout 2009. The roles of our volunteers and student placements are wide and diverse and offer a range of additional opportunities and benefits to our service users. During 2009 service users, staff, volunteers and student placements participated in the Life’s No Picnic on the Streets art exhibition, at the Electric Picnic Music Festival in County Laois, as well as the Home for Christmas in the CHQ building in Dublin in December. Service users have actively participated and contributed positively to the activities arranged for them. We gratefully acknowledge funding received from the Youth in Action programme of the European Commission which assists us in operating European Voluntary Service (EVS) which is invaluable to the work at Tus Nua.

Stuart Garland Stuart Garland Stuart Garland Stuart Garland Volunteer Coordinator, Depaul IrelandVolunteer Coordinator, Depaul IrelandVolunteer Coordinator, Depaul IrelandVolunteer Coordinator, Depaul Ireland


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VOLUNTEERS AND STUDENT PLACEMENTS

In 2009, Tus Nua continued to benefit from the hard work and dedication of our In 2009, Tus Nua continued to benefit from the hard work and dedication of our In 2009, Tus Nua continued to benefit from the hard work and dedication of our In 2009, Tus Nua continued to benefit from the hard work and dedication of our volunteers and student placements throughout the year. We had the support of a full volunteers and student placements throughout the year. We had the support of a full volunteers and student placements throughout the year. We had the support of a full volunteers and student placements throughout the year. We had the support of a full time European Volunteer, a number of part time volunteers and we offered placements time European Volunteer, a number of part time volunteers and we offered placements time European Volunteer, a number of part time volunteers and we offered placements time European Volunteer, a number of part time volunteers and we offered placements to six students during the year.to six students during the year.to six students during the year.to six students during the year.

“I would recommend Tus Nua to anyone who wants to make a change in their life. I have really enjoyed things like painting with other women, volunteers and staff while I’ve been here it is really relaxing.” Service user, Tus Nua, aged 46 Service user, Tus Nua, aged 46 Service user, Tus Nua, aged 46 Service user, Tus Nua, aged 46

I completed a five month student placement at Tus Nua from September 2009. My motivation for applying for the placement was to gain practical, hands on experience with people who have been incarcerated. Having completed an applied psychology degree in UCC I have decided that I would like to pursue a career in Forensic Psychology; however before applying I realised I needed some practical experience in the area. Since volunteering here I have had extensive contact with the service users. Talking to them and spending time with them has been a massive learning experience. I have learned about their struggles but more importantly helped to turn their thinking in a more positive way towards the future.

I accompanied many of the women to different appointments where I had the opportunity to meet the other agencies that support those

experiencing difficulty within society. My time in Tus Nua has been an eye opener in terms of the constant battle people endure, in terms of dealing with addiction and offending behaviour. The team at Tus Nua taught me a lot about how the cycle of crime is one that is very hard to break. My experience at Tus Nua has been very rewarding and much of that has to do with the positive interaction between staff, service users and volunteers. Encouragement and support are abundant within the service, both towards the women and amongst the staff themselves which helps greatly when you partake in a placement such as mine. The positive attitude towards volunteers helps you to engage as best you can with the mission that the project aims to achieve.

Kate O’Hara Kate O’Hara Kate O’Hara Kate O’Hara Student Placement, Tus NuaStudent Placement, Tus NuaStudent Placement, Tus NuaStudent Placement, Tus Nua

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In September 2009 I started my European Volunteer Service (EVS) year in Tus Nua. I applied to the EVS programme because it is a great opportunity to get to know different cultures and spend one year living in another country while you are volunteering. It is a challenging experience but I am loving it. My main role as a volunteer is to provide support and assist the women who live in Tus Nua. This includes going grocery shopping and helping them cook the communal meals, accompani-ment to doctor’s appointments or just taking time to listen and talk to them while having a cup of tea or coffee in the dining area. I also organise activities for the residents such as DVD nights, board games (they love bingo evenings), outings to the cinema, pampering sessions or art and crafts. Recently I have just started teaching them Spanish. There are some busy periods in Tus Nua. One of them was the Christmas Craft Fair in December. The women made several decorations such as cards, tree decorations and also baked cakes and cookies that were given to all the friends and families that visited the project.

Barbara Domenech Barbara Domenech Barbara Domenech Barbara Domenech EVS Volunteer, Tus NuaEVS Volunteer, Tus NuaEVS Volunteer, Tus NuaEVS Volunteer, Tus Nua

I have been a volunteer in Tus Nua for seven months now; my role in Tus Nua involves providing daily support to the women. This includes many different in house and external activities such as jewellery making, quiz evenings and trips to the cinema. A particular favourite among residents was ice skating at Christmas. I am thoroughly enjoying my time spent at Tus Nua, the experience I have gained as a volunteer has proven invaluable in terms of furthering my education and indeed my personal development. I have acquired new skills through the volunteer programme that are sure to benefit both my personal and work life in the future.

Rebecca Martin Rebecca Martin Rebecca Martin Rebecca Martin PartPartPartPart----time Volunteer,Tus Nuatime Volunteer,Tus Nuatime Volunteer,Tus Nuatime Volunteer,Tus Nua


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Tus Nua is a service user focused project and fully Tus Nua is a service user focused project and fully Tus Nua is a service user focused project and fully Tus Nua is a service user focused project and fully promotes active involvement of the women in the promotes active involvement of the women in the promotes active involvement of the women in the promotes active involvement of the women in the Project. Therefore the opinions and views of the Tus Nua Project. Therefore the opinions and views of the Tus Nua Project. Therefore the opinions and views of the Tus Nua Project. Therefore the opinions and views of the Tus Nua service users are crucial. Their involvement assists in service users are crucial. Their involvement assists in service users are crucial. Their involvement assists in service users are crucial. Their involvement assists in the development and day to day running of the service. the development and day to day running of the service. the development and day to day running of the service. the development and day to day running of the service. “We aim at all times through activities with service users such as review days, weekly meetings, surveys, the charter of rights, keyworking and support planning and general day to day interaction to give the women living here ownership of their home. This also ensures that their opinions and voices are heard and taken seriously. This is done by incorporating suggestions and ideas from service user consultation days and independent suggestions in to our working protocols. Through service user consultation we are better able to identify the needs of the women residing at Tus Nua. Enabling us to provide a better service and identify gaps in service delivery. Overall this leads to service users having a more positive and progressive experience and a more rounded, longer and enjoyable stay at Tus Nua.” Michelle Bailey Michelle Bailey Michelle Bailey Michelle Bailey Project Worker, Tus NuaProject Worker, Tus NuaProject Worker, Tus NuaProject Worker, Tus Nua

SERVICE USER INVOLVEMENT

“The first time I stayed at Tus Nua I didn’t give it a chance I just wanted to go back to the things I did before. Now I’m back in Tus Nua for a second time I have a different attitude. I am more mature and I have settled in more, I even get involved in the activities.

I didn’t think I was going to come back when I heard from a prison officer there was a place for me here for the second time but now I feel comfortable and at home”

Service user, Tus Nua, aged 19Service user, Tus Nua, aged 19Service user, Tus Nua, aged 19Service user, Tus Nua, aged 19

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 132132132132 24242424 62626262

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

TotalTotalTotalTotal 48484848 91919191 55555555 53535353

Tenancy duration Tenancy duration Tenancy duration Tenancy duration

2009* 2008 2007 2 006 2005 2004 2003

Under 9 days 0 0 2 4 4 0 3

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

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

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

5 months plus 4 7 5 5 3 4 0 ** At the 2009 year end 5 service users continued over to 2010 their tenancy duration statistics are included

and calculated from when they moved in until the 2009 year end. Two of these women arrived in November

2009; one arrived in December 2009, one in July 2009 and one in August 2009.

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COMPARISON STATISTICS 2003—2009


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It can be seen from the 2009 statistics that; the occupancy levels rose by 6% to 90% this is the highest level of occu-pancy since Tus Nua opened on the 18th of February 2003.

In total we worked with 17 women in 2009, one service user left Tus Nua and returned within the year.

This brings the number of women worked with to 132 since 2003.

4 women were resettled in 2009, though the options for move on are limited for this client group, currently the main option is private rented ac-commodation.

It is evident from the resettlement work at Tus Nua that supported accommoda-tion is vitally required for women with high support needs who may for different reasons be unable to sustain fully independent accommodation when leaving Tus Nua. 4 women were unable to sustain their place at Tus Nua during 2009; however this does not limit their options for re-referral in the future at any time.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

In 2009, 2 women resided in Tus Nua for 12 months and one for 15 months, this being the first time since Tus Nua opened that a number of service users availed of the service for this duration of time. This indicates that the low threshold ethos at Tus Nua is beneficial for women with complex needs.

CLOSING COMMENT One of Depaul Ireland’s core values is our belief in people - we celebrate the potential of all of our service users. Tus Nua epitomises this approach. Women get the chance in Tus Nua to genuinely tackle the issues that have led to their criminal justice histories and personal challenges. 2009 has seen staff and volunteers lower thresholds within the project to an even greater extent to ensure that those women who are most marginalised receive services that are respect-ful and meaningful. Accepting people where they are at is at the heart of the Depaul Ireland approach to service provision.

It is particularly impressive that in an environment of financial constraint that the service in Tus Nua has managed to improve the quality and nature of its service. This is attributable to the management, staff and volunteer team’s willingness and drive to embrace change for the benefit of service users.

Our work would not be possible without the involvement of our range of partners. The Society of Saint Vincent Depaul continues to offer invaluable support and assistance. We are also grateful to our statutory partners in the Probation Service and the Dochas Centre for their continued funding, professional support and confidence in the relevance of the project.

The success of 2009 in supporting women achieve independence is a source of considerable pride for Depaul Ireland and we move forward with confidence that women will continue to find Tus Nua as a place of support, aspiration and opportunity.

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 In order to provide a high quality service and support to the women at Tus Nua cooperation and commitment is necessary.

This is provided by a variety of people and services. The partnership working and support provided by the Probation Service is invaluable, thanks go in particular to the Probation team in Dochas for their continued support throughout 2009.

Thanks also to Governor Mc Mahon and the Prison team in Dochas for enabling us to run Project information sessions in Dochas greatly enabling a smooth referral process to Tus Nua.

Thanks also go to the extensive external services that support us in the work we do with the service users.

Finally thanks go to the SVP and the management com-mittee 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, knowledge and skill given to the service.


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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 2009

Documents

tus nua volunteers

tus nua project information

probation service

positive choices

unique service

board of managementchair

service user involvement

supportive environment