New Training Programme in Drugs Counselling for Cork (begins Sept. 2009)

20 Apr 2009


NOTE: open evening in Cork Institute of Technology on April 23rd 2009 (see below)

University College Dublin in partnership with Merchants Quay Ireland is launching a new professional training programme in drugs counselling theory and intervention skills in Cork beginning in September 2009.

The course is aimed at those currently working in drug services, community development projects and other social and healthcare services as well as those interested in developing careers in these areas. Participants will be equipped with the skills and knowledge, grounded in practical experience needed to tackle the growing problems of drug use in Cork and across the southern region.
The one year part time course consists of three modules; theories and models of addiction; intervention skills and policy & prevention. It includes class room teaching, tutorial support and a one week placement in a specialist drug service. The course part meets academic criteria for accreditation with the Irish Association of Alcohol and Addiction Counsellors. Tutors and lecturers on the course are all experienced educators in their respective disciplines which include health, social science, law, pharmacology, addiction and other relevant subjects. Merchants Quay Ireland brings to this course it's 20 years experience in working at the frontline with drug users and encourages participants on the course to continuously look to integrate academic material with practical skills.

Speaking in advance of the launch Tony Geoghegan, Director of Merchants Quay Ireland said "the use of heroin and other so called hard drugs is no longer a Dublin issue. Heroin and Cocaine are now available in all of our cities and in many of our towns across the country. Merchants Quay Ireland now has services in 11 counties across Ireland including a counselling service based in Cork Prison. In our experience high quality professional training has been essential in developing successful initiatives to tackle the problem. For the last ten years, Merchants Quay Ireland has developed a strong partnership with UCD in developing and delivering professional accredited training for those interested in developing their skills, knowledge and careers in the drugs and addiction field. This year we are delighted to announce that one of our most popular courses - the UCD Certificate in Drugs Counselling Theory and Intervention will be offered in Cork City as well as in Dublin.

To learn more about this course and about MQI please come to our open evening in Cork Institute of Technology, Block G on April 23rd 2009. From 5pm - 6pm we will provide a free seminar on drugs - their signs; effects and symptoms. This will be followed by an information session on the certificate programme and an opportunity for questions and answers. All are welcome. To get a booking form for the certificate course, more information on this course or our open evening please contact Edel Quinn on 01 5240931 or check out our website http://www.mqi.ie