Cuan Mhuire, which has provided residential detoxification treatment and rehabilitation services in Ireland since 1966 has won the prestigious CHKS Quality Improvement Award which was presented at the Royal Institute of British Architects, London on May 12th, 2010.
Sr. Consilio, a Sister of Mercy was the first person to provide Residential Treatment in Ireland for persons suffering from addiction so it is indeed fitting that Cuan Mhuire is the first treatment centre not only in Ireland but internationally to have been given this outstanding award.
Cuan Mhuire, Athy, Co Kildare
Speaking at the award ceremony in London, Cuan Mhuire founder Sr. Consilio Fitzgerald said “This award shows how vocationally driven organisations such as Cuan Mhuire can deliver cost-effective services with the highest possible standards of care. The intrinsic value of each human being before God demands no less than our committed love”. She went on to say that “Cuan Mhuire is much more than an organisation. It is a way of life focused on serving Christ in the person suffering from addictions and its effects. It is wholly inclusive – serving especially those who feel marginalised and unloved. Cuan Mhuire seeks to help all to discover their giftedness and their infinite value. Cuan Mhuire is always attentive to providing the highest standards of excellence for those for whom it provides care and support.
Sr. Consilio Fitzgerald
Sr. Consilio said she was humbled to receive such a prestigious international award. She was accepting it on behalf of all her co-workers & the many volunteers and supporters who have helped her over the years. Together they strive to bear witness to God’s love for those who have been afflicted by addiction. Cuan Mhuire has always relied on Our Blessed Lady to support the continued expansion of its services and to help it in good times and bad ensuring that the focus is always on serving Christ in all those who seek the help of Cuan Mhuire.
Cuan Mhuire, Bruree, Co Limerick
Today Cuan Mhuire has Residential Treatment centres in:
o Athy, Co Kildare,
o Bruree, Co Limerick
o Coolarne, Co Galway
o Farnanes, Co Cork
o Newry, Co Down
Cuan Mhuire, Farnanes, Cork
Cuan Mhuire is Ireland’s largest multi-site provider of Residential detoxification and Treatment for those suffering from addiction and has approximately 500 treatment beds nationwide. Of these 80 are designated for detoxification (both male and female). This is a huge plus because such a facility is uncommon in most treatment centres. The annual number of admissions is approximately 3000. This means that Cuan Mhuire caters for in excess of two thirds of all those availing of addiction treatment in Ireland. It offers a unique and highly successful 12 week treatment programme and has the willingness and ability to vary the length of stay to meet individual residents’ needs.
Cuan Mhuire, Newry, Co Down
It has residential Transition Houses in
o 38/39 – Lower Gardiner Street Dublin
o Roxboro Road Limerick
o North Circular Road, Limerick
o St. Helen’s Galway
o Ballybay, Co Monaghan
The purpose of the Transition Houses is to provide a “home from home” within an environment which encourages self-awareness, self-respect, self esteem and a sense of responsibility. Residents stay in these houses for 3 – 6 months, or until they feel ready for independent housing and have secured their own accommodation. Where possible the resident engages in training, education and prepares for employment while in the transition house.
Cuan Mhuire, Ballycarron, Co Tipperary, which was run for many years by the Sisters of Mercy from Tipperary Town now provides an ideal environment for in-service training and re-training for Cuan Mhuire staff. Residents who complete the programme in any Cuan Mhuire Centre are given the opportunity of spending their final week in Ballycarron. This week of therapy is, for many, a time of reflection on their journey to recovery and of preparation for their return to their communities and families.
Cuan Mhuire has a two year Aftercare Programme for those in Recovery and their families. This is provided weekly at numerous centres throughout the country. In addition it has monthly aftercare in all its treatment centres. Catherine McAuley’s vision, courage and love for the most vulnerable and needy in her time as well as her devotion to Our Lady was and is an inspiration to all of us in Cuan Mhuire.
Cuan Mhuire, Coolarne, Galway
We in Cuan Mhuire are so grateful to the Mercy Sisters, as well as to the many other Sisters and lay people from all walks of life, who gave so generously of their time and support to put in place a legacy we hope to pass on to future generations.
Cuan Mhuire is as broad as the ocean and deep as the sea. There is room and space for all your giftedness and gifts at any time of your life. It is never too late to make another dream come true. The invitation “the Lord” gave to the man who asked “where do you live” is open to you. “Come and see” we will be delighted to meet with you at any time and be assured of a warm welcome.
Agnes Fitzgerald rsm
South Central Province
