Our Services
Our services are free and tailored to your situation and needs. When you reach out to us one of our Family Support Workers will have a chat with you to see what supports you need and match it with services we offer.
Our Services
One-to-One support
Access to Counselling
Education & Training
Facilitated Peer Support
Complimentary Therapies
Recreational Activities
Respite Support
Time and space for families to speak freely
One-to-One Support
Our one-to-one support sessions are designed to provide compassionate guidance and practical support for individuals and families affected by substance misuse. Working alongside each participant with empathy, respect, and understanding, we help people explore their concerns at their own pace.
These confidential sessions offer the opportunity to discuss challenges in a focused and supportive setting, while also helping participants build confidence, resilience, and coping strategies.
Topics commonly explored during sessions include:
- The impact of a loved one’s substance misuse
- Drug and addiction education
- Emotional wellbeing and self-care
- Setting healthy boundaries
- Accessing local supports and community services
- Referrals to counselling and additional support services
- Family support and coping strategies
Our aim is to ensure that every participant feels heard, supported, and empowered throughout their journey.
Access to Counselling
The Northstar Family Support Project understands the importance of caring for the whole person and recognises that family members are often deeply affected by addiction and substance misuse.
To support this journey, we work in partnership with Counselling and Psychotherapy Services (CAPS) to provide access to affordable, low-cost counselling for Northstar participants.
Counselling offers a safe, confidential, and supportive space where individuals can:
- Explore their thoughts and emotions
- Process difficult experiences
- Improve emotional wellbeing
- Build healthy coping strategies
- Develop resilience and self-confidence
- Receive professional therapeutic support
Our aim is to ensure participants feel supported not only through crisis, but throughout their ongoing healing and recovery journey.
Access to Education and Training
We work collaboratively with a range of local organisations and community services to support inter-agency initiatives that encourage confidence-building, wellbeing, education, and social connection.
Participants may have access to a variety of programmes and community-based supports, including:
- Accredited Addiction Studies Courses
- SHEP Personal Development Programmes
- Time for Me wellbeing initiatives
- Creative Writing Programmes
- Parenting Support Classes
- Community Education and Training Opportunities
- Personal Development and Confidence-Building Courses
These opportunities are designed to empower participants, encourage lifelong learning, and support individuals in building positive connections within their community.
At Northstar, we believe that access to education, personal development, and community support can play an important role in improving wellbeing and creating positive change for individuals and families affected by substance misuse.
Facilitated Peer Support
These groups are guided by a trained facilitator and provide a space where people affected by a loved one’s substance misuse can come together, share experiences, and support one another.
Peer support groups encourage open discussion, connection, and mutual understanding. Participants are supported to talk about how they are coping, while also learning from the experiences of others in similar situations.
We offer both morning and evening peer support groups to ensure accessibility and to accommodate different schedules and needs.
The groups aim to:
- Reduce isolation and feelings of loneliness
- Build confidence and emotional resilience
- Encourage open and respectful discussion
- Share coping strategies and lived experience
- Strengthen a sense of community and support
Our peer support sessions are grounded in compassion, respect, and confidentiality, helping participants feel heard, understood, and supported throughout their journey.
Complimentary Therapies
We work with a qualified holistic therapist who offers supportive, non-invasive treatments designed to promote relaxation, emotional balance, and overall wellbeing.
Available therapies include:
- Acupuncture
- Therapeutic Massage
- Reiki (Non-Invasive Energy Therapy)
- Cupping Therapy
These therapies are offered in a calm and supportive environment, helping participants to reduce stress, ease emotional tension, and support their overall wellbeing alongside other services within the project.
Our aim is to provide holistic, person-centred support that recognises the impact substance misuse can have on both emotional and physical health.
Recreational Activities
These activities offer opportunities to take part in positive, enjoyable experiences in a supportive group setting, helping to promote wellbeing, connection, and confidence.
Activities may include:
- Arts and crafts groups
- Basic computer and digital skills sessions
- Walking groups and gentle outdoor activities
- Social wellbeing and community-based groups
These recreational opportunities are designed to reduce isolation, encourage social connection, and support overall mental and emotional wellbeing. They also provide a valuable space for participants to build new skills, develop confidence, and engage positively with their community.
Respite Support
In collaboration with Novas Respite House, we provide participants with the opportunity to take a short break from day-to-day pressures in a safe and supportive environment. This time away allows individuals to rest, reset, and focus on self-care.
Respite offers a valuable chance to step back from ongoing stress, reflect, and engage in activities that support relaxation, well-being, and emotional recovery.
This service is designed to:
- Support rest and recovery from ongoing stress
- Promote self-care and emotional well-being
- Provide a safe and supportive break from daily pressures
- Encourage reflection and personal time
- Strengthen resilience and coping capacity
For more information about the respite facility, please visit Novas Respite House here.
Time and space for Families to Speak Freely
We understand the impact that a loved one’s substance misuse can have, and we provide time for families to share how they are feeling, talk through challenges, and feel genuinely heard and supported.
This space is focused on:
- Open, honest conversation in a safe environment
- Emotional support and understanding
- Reducing isolation and overwhelm
- Supporting clearer communication within families
- Signposting to relevant services where needed
Our aim is simply to give families the time, space, and support they need to feel heard, respected, and not alone.
We understand that reaching out can feel difficult, and it’s completely okay to take your time. We’ll be here whenever you feel ready.
In the meantime, you may find it helpful to learn more about substance misuse. Understanding more about what your loved one may be experiencing can sometimes help reduce stress and bring a bit more clarity during a challenging time.
You don’t have to face things alone – support will be here when you need it.
Get in touch
Email Us
info@northstarproject.ie
Opening Hours
Monday–Friday: 9am – 5pm
Weekends: Closed
We have a limited number of evening appointments available upon request.
If you contact us outside these hours, we’ll respond as soon as possible during opening times.