SWAN’S HISTORY

IN 1997

A small group of people meet in a neighbours kitchen to talk about how they are affected by drug issues within their families. Out of that meeting the  P.R.I.D.E. Group (People Related In Drug Education) was formed!

IN 1998

P.R.I.D.E. became Incorporated and we obtain charitable status.

IN 1999

During European Drug Awareness Week,  P.R.I.D.E. members got to meet the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese. Present at this event were many other Family Support Groups from the Tallaght area.

The first Christmas Tree Ceremony to commemorate those who died due to addiction were held in County Hall, South Dublin County Council.  This has since become an annual event.

A Network of Family Support Groups was also founded (South West Active Network SWAN).

IN 2000

SWAN got their first small premises in Tallaght Welfare Society and established a Helpline for people under stress due to substance use within their Family.  Our Charitable Status was obtained and SWAN became a Company Limited by Guarantee. A counselling service began its delivery.

IN 2001

Due to the volume of individuals seeking direct services, SWAN staff begin to offer Holistic Therapies to their growing number of clients.

IN 2002

SWAN is re-registered as SWAN Family Support Organisation. Due to the volume of people demanding and accessing the Holistic and Counselling Services SWAN fso moved to a bigger premises in Springfield Tallaght. Staff received training in more Holistic Therapies so as to offer a wider range of services. Tallaght Drugs Task Force agreed to provide Interim Funding for premises and running costs to support SWAN fso.

IN 2003

An Art Group is formed. An Art Exhibition is held in SWAN Family Support Organisation premises, displaying work created by their members. This was a huge success and was attended by a large number of clients along with members of the local community, local community groups, local dignitaries and Politicians.

IN 2004

The first Ceremony of Commemoration of Hope and Remembrance entitled ‘Building Bridges’ is held in the Priory  located in Tallaght Village. This was a huge success and was attended by representatives from all Treatment Programmes and Family Support Organisations in Tallaght as well as Councillors, Politicians and Families.

IN 2005

In 2005 due to the organisational logistics of the Ceremony of Commemoration of Hope and Remembrance SWAN requested Tallaght Drug Task Force to take ownership of this project.  This has become an annual event, with Task Force funded projects taking turns to host this important event.