In the Northside Partnership Strategic Plan 2000-2006 it was proposed that specific measures be put in place in order to support the re-integration of ex-drug mis-users into employment. It had been identified that, like many other parts of Dublin city, the Northside Partnership catchment area was adversely affected by drug abuse.

It was felt that the needs of individuals who had been through a drug rehabilitation programme needed to be specifically identified and addressed if progression into education, training and employment were to become a reality.

It was decided that the Northside Partnership, in conjunction with Citywide, IBEC, and the National Drugs Strategy Team, would develop a pilot programme aimed at reintegrating former drug mis-users into the workforce and/or further education and training. What followed was the implementation of the Labour Inclusion Programme.With support from Citywide, the North East Dublin Local Drugs Task Force, community Rehabilitation Projects, the Local Employment Service, FAS, IBEC, SFA and the Northern Area Health Board, this innovative programme has achieved a level of success that has far exceeded original expectations.

The programme is based on the successful model of the Independence Initiative in Liverpool.

It provides a critical one-to-one support service to those who have taken the difficult road to rehabilitation with the goal of remaining drug-free. It also provides information and assistance on accessing further education/training and ultimately getting back into suitable employment as well as settling back into the community.

Any former drug mis-user who has completed a rehabilitation programme, who has reached stability in their lives and who is ready to progress will be considered for placement on the programme.

All contact and training is done on a one-to-one basis and no group work is involved. Each person works directly with a Project Support Worker on a training and career-path planning programme.