Chairman’s Address
At Aislinn we have an expression we use often - “The Priceless Potential of Young People”. We sincerely believe it. It’s what we work to protect. It’s what we enable those lost and vulnerable young people who come to us to unlock. That priceless potential to fully realise their unfulfilled dreams.
Last year 120 young people came to stay at the Aislinn Centre to work at overcoming their substance misuse issues. I admire these adolescents for having the bravery to admit to themselves and to others that they had a problem and the courage to do something about it.
Since the establishment of Aislinn in 1998 the environment in which our young people are growing up has changed dramatically. Drugs are now more readily available than ever. The use and abuse of alcohol by many people in our society has added to the prevalence of binge drinking and alcohol abuse by younger and younger teenagers.
At Aislinn we believe, not only in the priceless potential of our young people, but also in the priceless potential of their parents and families. This is the energy that fuels our work. I continually admire the passion and dedication of our skilled staff to give the best possible service to young people and their families.
Chronic substance abuse kills. Even where the abuse is not fatal it can and does destroy young lives. Every day we work with young people who suffer physically, psychologically, emotionally and spiritually as a result of drug and alcohol abuse.
A significant change in our society’s understanding of, and attitude to, substance abuse is required. Without this, our nation’s most precious resource, our children, cannot achieve and fulfil their dreams. A change in the attitude and behaviour of our healthcare, criminal justice, social services and education systems must happen.
JOHN MCDERMOTT - Aislinn Chairman