Homeless services report 'highly offensive'

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Written by Administrator

Wednesday, 31 January 2007

Dear Editor,

I refer to a recent article in your newspaper on 17 January and attributed to Ms Brenda Carney titled 'Unique report calls for homeless services to be easily available'.

In the course of writing, in relation to the aforementioned services for the homeless, Ms Carney makes reference to Cuan Mhuire treatment centre at Coolarne, Galway.

I am a former resident of Coolarne and I must take strong issue with the negative references made in this article, to Cuan Mhuire, Coolarne, her source being, apparently, based on a report of HEART (Homeless Empowerment Adult Research Team).

The Cuan Mhuire centre is described as 'horrible', with 'no compassion from staff' and one interviewee is reported to have remarked that he/she would 'rather sleep on the streets in Galway...They don't want you if you have a psychiatric problem'.

As one who spent four months in Coolarne, I can categorically state that nothing could be further from the truth concerning this centre. In the interest of fairness and impartiality, it would have been important for the author of this article to visit Coolarne and to talk with the many happy residents who follow a course or 'programme' which has as its foundation a highly ethical approach to the disease of alcohol and the treatment there of.

Residents are encouraged to follow a 12-week programme of in-depth meetings. In addition qualified counsellors are available for any resident who feels the need for counselling on a one to one basis.

Weekends comprise a range of entertainment, including such pursuits as music nights, sing songs and table quizzes.

The work therapy provided is not onerous but is an integral part of the recovery programme, allowing the many residents who suffer from low self-esteem or depression to come to a realization that their work can be a valuable contribution to their recovery.

It is unfortunate that a professional journalist should have relied on 'sources' that have not been verified by the simple request for a visit to Coolarne, where any number of residents will tell one of the truly remarkable transformation in their lives as a result of their stay in Cuan Mhuire in Coolarne.

What emerges however, is a reference to a highly unrepresentative quote from an anonymous ex resident. It is deeply offensive both to the director of the centre and to the many professionals (doctors, nurses and counselling staff) who - in my experience- have always made themselves available during their stay in the centre.

I would be grateful if this letter were published in your 'readers page' to ensure balance and fairness on the topic published on the date in question.

Yours faithfully,

Philip O'Brien

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