Project Description

Aiséirí Cahir was founded in 1983 by Sr. Eileen Fahey of the Sisters of Mercy. As a nurse, Sr Eileen could see the lack of appropriate treatment for alcoholics who were repeatedly presenting in hospital. Sr. Eileens vision was to provide compassionate, understanding and safe environment. This would allow the person to reflect on his or her situation and thus begin the healing process. They would come to examine the physical, social and pychological factors that contributed to their dependency. During this time they would learn to understand how to cope and deal with these factors. They would continue their journey with an aftercare programme and the AA fellowships.

Following, research, training, fundraising, advocacy and lots of hard work and adventures, Sr Eileen opened the doors of Aiséirí Cahir in 1983.

Following its success Aiséirí opened a second residential Centre at Roxborough, Wexford in 1987. Aislinn Adolescent Addiction Centre was opened in 1998 by Sr. Veronica Mangan another member of the Sisters of Mercy to cater for the younger age group 15-21 years.

Ceim Eile and extended care facility for men in recovery was opened in Waterford in 2003. In 2014 the Aiséirí Progression Programme was established to support people to access meaningful work, education and training in early recovery. The first Sober House was opened in 2016. In 2018, Secondary Treatment for Women was established and gendered secondary treatment then became available.

The Catering Innovation Agency have been happy to support Aiseiri for many years