On Bank Holiday Monday May 7^th   2018, the Family Addiction Support Network will host their annual Open Garden Day, Car Boot Sale and Rubber Duck Race at the beautiful gardens of Brendan & Jackie McKenna, Muff, Kingscourt, Co Cavan.  A great crowd is expected again this year at the event.

The gardens were lovingly developed by Brendan over the years and this year’s event will be all the more poignant as he passed away suddenly earlier this year in January. The McKenna family along with the Family Addiction Support Network is delighted to work in conjunction with newly developed Men’s Shed, Kingscourt in preparing the gardens for the Open Day.

Festivities will at begin at 2pm with a scenic stroll around the garden full of color where new life  is guaranteed to lift the spirits! One could then meander through the ‘bric o brac’ stalls in the hope of acquiring a satisfying bargain and quench their hunger pangs in Bella’s Kitchen with delicious homemade cakes, pastries, and exotic cheesecakes.

Dudley Farrell, Nobber is MC for the Duck Race and will keep the crowd entertained with jokes, spot prizes and exciting commentary as hundreds of little plastic ducks will tumble over the bridge into the river and jostle each other for the winning positions.  Tickets will be on sale on the day to see who will have the “Quickest Quacker in Town!”

“It’s always an exciting day here in Muff”, said Family Support Specialist, Gwen McKenna “and we’d like to thank the volunteers who made this happen and the community for coming out to join us in the fun.  In particular we’d like to thank the newly formed Men’s Shed Kingscourt for all the weeding planting, cleaning, and general all round help in preparing for our big day. It wouldn’t have happened without them!

All monies raised on the day will go towards providing the much need services provided by the Family Addiction Support Network to families in the North East.

The Family Addiction Support Network (FASN) is a project that is developed, managed and serviced by volunteers trained in addiction issues, many of whom has lived experience of addiction. Currently there is a network of four groups in the North East Region that supports family members who have been affected by addiction issues.

We provide support to families of those in addiction, including peer support, counselling, help in dealing with drug related intimidation, and a 24 hour helpline. We cover the North East Region of Louth, Meath, Cavan and Monaghan. It’s the commitment of our fundraisers which allows us to provide these services and to continue to give support to families in times of crisis.

The Family Addiction Support Network aims to assist families in the North East achieve a greater understanding of the impact of addiction, help them improve their quality of life and help them fulfill a positive role in the recovery of their loved one, should they choose to take it.

We represent the collective voice of families to raise awareness of associated problems of substance misuse and work for positive change in policy and practice for family members affected by addictive behavior said Jackie McKenna, Chairperson for the Family Addiction Support Network

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Gwen McKenna at 042 935 5251 or email at info.fasn@gmail.ie.

Family members who are affected by the impact of someone else’s addictive behaviour often feel confused, frustrated, angry, helpless and completely exhausted.

The RISE family programme helps to reduce anxiety, stress and confusion for the family members. It promotes healing by identifying how addictive behaviour can impact the family and what family members can do to take care of themselves.
By becoming aware of the beliefs and experiences that shape their own behaviours, participants identify new, healthy ways of coping with addiction and relationships.

This 10-week non-residential programme has been developed to create awareness and educate families with loved ones in addiction and is run one evening per week, for 3 hours per session. Each programme is attended by up to 12 participants and is facilitated by 2 qualified and experienced RISE addiction counsellors. The format is a combination of lectures and group therapy.

If you are interested in these programmes, contact F.A.S.N. at any of the numbers below or by email.

042 93 55251 / 087 9046405 / info.fasn@gmail.com

F.A.S.N., the RISE Foundation & Turas would like to acknowledge the help & support of the North East Regional Drugs & Alcohol Task Force, the Health Service Executive, Meath Local Sports Partnership & Louth Local Sports Partnership.