Athy Alternative Project

Drug-related intimidation (DRI) can affect anyone in our communities, and you don't have to face it alone. An Garda Síochána is a key partner in understanding, preventing, addressing and prosecuting this type of criminality.

DRI occurs when a criminal alleges that a sum of money is owed as a result of a drug debt. Individuals or family members may be subjected to intimidation in the form of threats, physical violence, damage to property, various forms of violence. Many victims remain silent for fear of retribution.

Because this is often a cyclical crime - where victims with the means to pay a debt are repeatedly targeted - An Garda Síochána and partner agencies are working to ensure help is available.

If you or someone you know is experiencing drug-related intimidation, there is help and support available, including:

➡️ Garda Reporting Programme: Every Garda Division has a nominated Garda Inspector acting as a designated, confidential point of contact to provide tailored support and practical safety advice.

➡️ The DRIVE Project: An interagency project that sets out systems and structures to respond effectively to drug-related intimidation and associated violence. Free and confidential support services are accessible through the DRIVE website at www.driveproject.ie.

➡️ Local Support: Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Forces operate across the country to provide additional assistance.

For further information visit: www.garda.ie/en/crime/drugs/

and Wicklow ETB Training Services

Huge congratulations to our Community Service participants for their fantastic work in helping transform the dry dock at the Harbour Apartments, Athy. The new benches and beautiful planters have made a remarkable difference, and local residents are delighted with the results.
A special word of thanks to Karim Kildare and Wicklow ETB Training Services Tutor for his guidance in creating the planters; Maria Sláintecare Athy; Emma Kildare County Council; and Rob from Oaklee Housing for bringing everything together. This is another wonderful example of Community Service participants referred from The Irish Probation Service, Department of Justice Ireland, giving back to their communities through restorative, real, and meaningful work.
Well done to everyone involved — a true team effort, and it was great to see some new faces lending a hand too. Empowering Communities Athy

If you have been , or are currently being, impacted by drug related intimidation and violence, you can access free, safe, non-judgemental and confidential support through your relevant drug and alcohol task force. For details of services near you visit.

https://driveproject.ie/local-and-regional-drug-and-alcohol-task-force/

YOU ARE NOT ALONE - THERE IS HELP

🌟 Embrace the spirit of adventure this summer with our Athy Adventure Camp!

This exciting multi-activity camp for teenagers ages 12 - 15 takes place from 6 - 10 July in Athy Sports Hub and offers a chance to try kayaking, paddleboarding, cycling, orienteering, swimming, and triathlon.

Registration cost is €50 and the link to book can be found here: https://platform.payzone.ie/customer/11337/product-list/details/128920

For more information, contact Eoin at [email protected].

Triathlon Ireland Orienteering Ireland Swim Ireland Canoeing Ireland Athy Waterways TriAthy Athy Triathlon Club ATHY TOWN Promoters Leinster Swimming K Leisure Athy Youth Café

If you, or someone you know, is affected by Drug Related Intimidation or Violence please see www.DRIVEproject.ie for information on support available in your area.

DRIVE - Drug Related Intimidation & Violence Engagement DRIVE is an interagency project to respond to drug related intimidation and associated violence in Ireland. The project is funded by the Dept of Health

Murals painted by Community Service participants at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Athy – under the guidance of tutors Olivia Smith and Karim Seddiq – as part of The Alternative Project Athy in collaboration with and funding from Kildare County CouncilThe Kildare County Council.
Referred through the Kildare Probation Team, The Probation Service, The Courts Service of Ireland and Department of Justice Ireland, and supported by Kildare and Wicklow ETB Training Services, participants gave back to their community by improving the surroundings and creating uplifting artwork on-site.
Well done to everyone involved.