New Hope ‘makes you feel you can do it’

LOCATED on three-acres in Tallaght, New Hope is a residential centre in Kiltalown, where men can recover from addiction in a safe place, reports Mary Dennehy.

Those staying at New Hope share their home with roaming goats, chickens and a team of rescue dogs – with individual residents taking responsibility for the care of each dog.

The residents also contribute to the surrounding community and are currently making 1,500 back to school packs for local families in need of additional support.

A Christian-based organisation, New Hope was founded by Tallaght resident Layton Kelly, who growing up in Kiltalown now lives in Tymon North with wife Clare and their family.

“I left school after first year, I was 13,” Layton, a Board member of the Tallaght Drugs and Alcohol Task Force, said.

“I became a heroin addict as a teenager, and I just couldn’t get out of it.

New Hope residential centre in Kiltalown

“I didn’t see a way out, didn’t see anybody around me getting off drugs, getting drug free.

“I didn’t want to be on drugs and one day I walked through the doors of the [Lifegate Bible Baptist] church in Tallaght Village and the Pastor asked me what I needed, how he could help.

“That was the start of me detoxing and coming off drugs… and life has transformed for me.”

Layton, who went on to study Social Care, Counselling and Psychotherapy, spent five years working in homeless hostels in Scotland before returning to Ireland in 2005 and establishing New Hope two years later.

Originally starting off with three residents, New Hope now caters for 25 men at any one time – 16 of whom stay at the single-room centre in Kiltalown while engaging in a 12-month programme.

Layton Kelly with some of the resuce dogs that residents take responsibility for at the centre

New Hope also has three houses across Tallaght, step down facilities for men who have completed the year programme and are embarking on independent living.

In the first six months of the programme, residents take part in community detox, key working, daily group work and sessions on, for example, managing a home, dealing with health issues, computers and securing a driving licence.

In the second stage, residents are supported in finding education or employment – with a number of residents currently going out to work every day.

“The men that come here are full blown addicts, many with a crack cocaine addiction,” Layton said.

“They get a fresh chance at life, it’s great that people have the opportunity for change.

“People who have been chronic addicts for a long time, six weeks in rehab is not going to do it for them.

“People need to know that help is out there, there is a different way.

“I believe there are people out there on drugs who want to get drug free but don’t know how or where to go to get the appropriate help.”

Shane – At the age of 23, Shane has been a resident in New Hope for the past three months and is focused on becoming drug free, rebuilding family relations and going to college to study computers.

“Everywhere I went I caused destruction, I was chasing a high all of the time,” Shane told The Echo.

“My addiction broke a lot of relationships.

“It wasn’t intentional, but my addiction had a big effect on my family, and I didn’t realise that at the time.

“[Since coming to New Hope] I now have better relationships with my family, which is a big thing for me.”

He added: “I grew up surrounded by addiction in the community… and started smoking weed at 12 or 13 and that kicked off other drug use like cocaine and smoking crack.

“When I was on the streets there was no hope of me getting clean, and I told myself it was always going to be like this.

“However, I’ve a better frame of mind since I came to New Hope, my frame of mind is more positive.

“I’ve a clearer head and stuff, it’s changing my life.

“[New Hope] makes you feel you can do it.”

John – In his early forties, John was brought to New Hope by a friend and after three months at the centre believes there is hope for those who want a drug-free life.

“I’m here three months, and I like it up here,” he said.

“They help you get a job and I have my family back…I’ve made amends with most of them.

“Having my kids back is such a good thing.”

John started drinking at a young age and was taking heroin by the time he was 16; an addiction which in later life, included crack cocaine use.

“I didn’t think I’d get addicted, but I slipped into it,” John, who was homeless for a number of years, said.

“When you’re taking drugs, it takes away your life.

“I’m in a better place now though… you see people getting drug free at New Hope and staying drug free.”

For further information on New Hope, which is a registered charity, visit nhrc or call 4512346.

For other support services for those with an addiction and their families visit the Tallaght Drugs and Alcohol Task Force’s website Tallaght Datf for a list of drug projects and supports across local communities.