A woman standing at the ocean shore at golden sunrise – hope and new beginnings
You Are Not Alone

WASP
Ireland

Whitechurch Addiction Support Programme · Since 1997

"Every new beginning starts with a step forward."

Supporting individuals and families affected by addiction across our communities – because healing is possible, and no one should face it alone.

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2025 We Provided

1888Women's Family
Support Sessions
375Family Mediation
Sessions
1086One-to-One
Counselling Sessions
1186Keywork
Sessions
410Holistics
Sessions
350Men's Family
Support Sessions
693Wellbeing
Sessions
585Drug Related
Intimidation Sessions
Who We Are

Supporting Families Since 1997

One-to-one support session

WASP Ireland (Whitechurch Addiction Support Programme) is a registered charity that has been supporting individuals and families affected by addiction since 1997.

WASP was built on a deep understanding of the challenges addiction brings – not only to the individual, but to the entire family. What began as a small, community-based initiative has grown into a trusted support service, helping people navigate some of the most difficult challenges of their lives.

Using a whole-family systems model of recovery, we empower each family member – parents, siblings, partners, and children – to heal from the trauma of addiction while rebuilding healthy dynamics. No family walks this path alone. WASP walks with you.

Confidential

All services are held in the strictest confidence.

Community-Led

A trusted, community-based support service since 1997.

Whole-Family Model

We support every family member, not just the individual.

Evidence-Based

Aligned with HSE National Standards and international best practice.

What We Offer

Our Suite of Supportive Services

We offer a range of services tailored to meet your family's unique needs – operating out of hours including evenings and weekends.

Family support group session

Family Support Groups

Weekly – a safe space to share, listen and heal together

Family coming together

Family Recovery Sessions

Rebuilding connections, one conversation at a time

01

Addiction-Specific Family Support

One-to-one keyworking, case management, and family mediation – creating a personalised plan for you and your family, tailored to your unique situation.

02

Peer Support Groups

Weekly groups for women and men, providing a safe, confidential space for sharing and healing. Monday nights, Tuesday mornings, and Wednesday nights.

03

Gambling-Specific Services

One-to-one and group support for families impacted by gambling addiction. Funded by the Gambling Awareness Trust.
Take anonymous self-assessment →

04

Holistic Services

Somatic classes, reiki, kinesiology, and wellness programmes – building individual wellbeing through themed wellness retreats and holistic treatments.

05

Drug-Related Intimidation Support

High-risk case management and close collaboration with An Garda Síochána – providing specialist support for families experiencing drug-related intimidation.

06

Educational Interventions

Workshops on alcohol, gambling, grief, and therapeutic writing – raising awareness and building understanding in schools, families, and the wider community.

07

Professional Counselling & Psychotherapy

Qualified therapists using evidence-based approaches in a safe, confidential environment. By appointment only.

08

Intellectual Disabilities Support

Funded by HSE Disability Services – trained behaviour technicians supporting people with intellectual difficulties and high-risk addiction behaviours.

Love Is Not Enough – Families' Journeys Through Addiction, in association with WASP
100% of proceeds
to WASP
In Association with WASP

Love Is Not Enough

Families' Journeys Through Addiction

Love Is Not Enough is a deeply moving collection of stories written by the families of people living with addiction – brave, honest accounts that lay bare the reality of how addiction reaches into every corner of family life. These are not stories told from the outside. They are lived, raw, and real.

Each story was written by a family member who has attended WASP's family support services. They describe the fear, the chaos, the guilt, the love, and – ultimately – the hope. Together they form a powerful tapestry that shows addiction for what it truly is: not just an individual struggle, but a whole-family experience.

Whether you are a family member currently in crisis, someone walking the road of recovery, or simply someone who wants to understand – this book will speak to you. It offers not just insight, but solidarity. You are not alone.

"Sharing your stories is a profound act of courage that offers hope to those still struggling." – CEO, WASP

Buy the Book – Delivered to Your Door
100% of proceeds donated to WASP
Bridge Street Books donate 100% of every sale directly to WASP Ireland. Your purchase is a donation.
Bridge Street Books – Ardmore, Co. Waterford

Bridge Street Books · Bridge Street, Wicklow

A Very Special Thank You

Bridge Street Books

We are incredibly grateful to Bridge Street Books for their extraordinary generosity and community spirit. They have kindly agreed to list Love Is Not Enough on their website and sell it on our behalf.

In a remarkable act of solidarity with WASP families, Bridge Street Books have agreed to donate 100% of the proceeds from every sale directly to WASP Ireland. When you buy this book, every single euro goes to supporting families affected by addiction in our community.

💛 That is the power of community in action.

Buy the Book ↗ Visit the Bookshop
Hope & Recovery

Recovery Is Possible.
Hope Is Real.

Every journey begins with a single step. No matter how long the road or how dark it feels right now, WASP has walked this path alongside hundreds of families – and we know that healing is always possible.

You are stronger than you know. And you do not have to do this alone.

Take the First Step →
Understanding Addiction

The Complexity of Addiction

Addiction complexity diagram

Addiction is not a simple problem with a simple solution. It is a complex web of interconnected factors – substances like drugs and alcohol, mental health challenges, social normalisation, intimidation, and gambling can all play a role in trapping individuals and their families.

At WASP, we recognise this complexity. That is why our approach is holistic – addressing not just the substance or behaviour, but the whole person and the world around them.

Education and awareness are central to everything we do. Breaking the cycle starts with understanding it.

DrugsAlcoholMental Health NormalisationIntimidationGamblingFamily Impact
Anonymous alcohol self-assessment (AUDIT) Anonymous drug self-assessment (DUDIT) Anonymous gambling self-assessment (PGSI)
How We Work

Our Approach to Family Recovery

Family Systems Approach to Recovery

We support the whole family – individually and collectively – using a family systems model that recognises addiction affects every member of the household.

Recovery-Specific & Gender-Sensitive

Our services are tailored to be recovery-focused and gender-sensitive, ensuring every individual feels seen, heard, and supported in a way that is right for them.

Out of Hours Service

Operating 9am–5pm plus Saturdays and three evenings per week, with an additional evening or Sunday opening currently being explored – because we know addiction doesn't keep office hours.

Interagency Recovery

We work collaboratively with HSE, An Garda Síochána, and other agencies to provide immediate referrals and swift pathways to support for families in crisis.

WASP Specialist Areas

01

Drug Related Intimidation

CSIF-funded two-year programme for high-risk cases – swift pathways to support for affected families.

02

People with Intellectual Difficulties

Trained behaviour technicians supporting people with intellectual difficulties and high-risk addiction behaviours.

03

Gambling Support

Specialist gambling support and professional development training in partnership with St John of Gods, WALK, FAST, and STAG.

04

Interagency Recovery

Collaborative, multi-agency approach to family recovery – working across health, community, and justice services.

Our Journey

Where We Came From

Arms raised in hope and freedom
  • 1

    1997

    WASP is Founded

    WASP is established in Whitechurch, Dublin – built on a deep passion for supporting individuals and families affected by addiction.

  • 2

    Growing

    Expanding Our Services

    WASP grows from a small community initiative into a structured programme – partnering with HSE Addiction Services and local health providers.

  • 3

    Reaching Further

    New Specialist Programmes Launched

    WASP expands its suite of services to include specialised gambling addiction support – working with families impacted by problem gambling – and dedicated support for people with intellectual disabilities. These additions reflect how WASP has grown to meet the evolving and complex needs of our community, responding to the full range of issues that affect families living with addiction.

  • 4

    Today

    25+ Years Walking Alongside Families

    Over 5,880 sessions of direct support delivered in 2025 – including 1,086 counselling sessions, 1,888 women's family support sessions, 350 men's family support sessions, 1,186 keywork sessions, 375 family mediation sessions, and 693 wellbeing sessions. Still here. Still growing.

Walking along Dublin beach at dawn
"

I am endlessly proud of the brave families who embrace recovery for themselves, their loved ones, and others on this journey. Sharing your stories is a profound act of courage that offers hope to those still struggling. It's an honour to walk alongside you on this soul-crushing yet soul-inspiring journey of healing and love.

– CEO & Founder, WASP

Voices from Our Community

What People Say

"I didn't want to make the call. I didn't want anyone to know. I was sick making the call – but it changed everything for me. I was glad I did."

Anonymous

WASP Family Member

"WASP is like the foil blanket you get after a car accident – it's just the support I need that helps me cope."

Anonymous

WASP Community Member

"Through WASP's support – family group meetings, counselling, wellness days and mindfulness – I began to rebuild myself. As I began to recover, my son slowly started to find his way back too."

A Whitechurch Mother

From Love Is Not Enough

"This group gives me a place where I don't have to pretend I'm fine. I can come as I am and be met with understanding."

Anonymous

Women's Family Support Group

"Healing happens faster when shame is replaced with understanding."

Anonymous

Women's Family Support Group

"I feel safer opening up here because the women in the room understand things that are hard to explain."

Anonymous

Women's Family Support Group

Men's Family Support Group

A Poem Written by a Family Member

It tells the real story of a father whose son is struggling with addiction – not just the chaos and pain that comes with it, but the silent weight carried by the family behind the scenes. The fear. The guilt. The second guessing. The impossible choices no parent ever expects to face.

This is more than a poem – it's a reflection of lived experience, shared by someone walking this journey every day.

"

What do you see?

Do you see my son or just the addiction, the chaos, the pain, a life more like
fiction, the toll on the body, the damage incurred, a pleading for help so rarely heard?

Do you see the family in this torn asunder, the relentless strain, sure it's no wonder that harsh words
are spoken and tempers flare and then in the silence almost sickening despair?

Do you see the father doing his best, trying to fix things, his mind never rests? He thinks of the child he once held in his arms, the child that he naively promised to protect from all harm.

Do you see the anger, the guilt and the shame, caught second guessing? Would it have been the same if only we picked up the warnings, the signs? Perhaps as parents we fluffed our lines.

Do you see the house we fight hard to keep home, a place where everyone can feel safe alone? The change in our reactions to a knock on the door, it now brings anxiety, fear, dread and more.

Do you see the cameras recording in case the unwelcome caller might show his face, his
message of violence, threats and demand? The reality of the situation can't help but land.

Do you see the impossible forced choices made, to cast them aside or rush to their aid? The clarity,
objectivity, simple right or wrong has been removed by the chaos that certainty long gone.

Do you see the hope without optimism, that there's always a chance, let go of pessimism, that
despite all the using, the lying, the crime, there is cause for hope, for recovery in time.

– Written by a member of WASP Men's Family Support Group

Men's Family Support Group

Every Wednesday · 7pm – 9pm

A safe space for men to talk, share and support one another. At WASP, we support not only the individual in addiction, but the families who are living through it alongside them.

"If this resonates with you, please know – you are not alone."

Reach Out Today
Fundraising

The Great Killary Fjord Swim

For the third consecutive year, WASP board member Mark Cleary and his swim buddy Teena Gates are taking on one of Ireland's most breathtaking open-water challenges – all in aid of WASP Ireland.

Killary Fjord, Connemara – Gaelforce Great Fjord Swim
🏊 3rd Year Running · 2025 Fundraiser

Gaelforce Great Fjord Swim
Killary Harbour, Connemara

Killary Harbour is Ireland's only true fjord – a spectacular stretch of water carved through the mountains of Connemara. Mark and Teena take on this iconic open-water swim year after year to raise vital funds for WASP families.

Sponsor Mark & Teena
Mark and Teena at the Gaelforce start line
Mark & Teena – ready at the start line
Mark and Teena finishing the swim
Mark & Teena – crossing the finish together
Mark Cleary at the start
Mark Cleary – ready to take on the fjord

🏊 A Remarkable Story of Dedication

What started as a personal challenge has become an annual act of solidarity with the families WASP serves. For the third consecutive year, Mark Cleary – WASP board member and passionate advocate – and his swim buddy Teena Gates are taking on the cold, clear waters of Killary Harbour in the heart of Connemara.

Killary Harbour is Ireland's only true fjord, stretching between dramatic mountain ranges with cold Atlantic waters. Mark and Teena take it on year after year with smiles on their faces and WASP families in their hearts. Every euro raised goes directly towards keeping WASP's services accessible for every family that walks through our doors.

Sponsor Mark & Teena
Get Involved

Support Our Work

WASP is community-funded. Your support – however big or small – keeps our doors open for every family that needs us.

Donate

Every contribution helps sustain our programmes and expand our reach to more families.

Donate Now Donate Monthly

Sponsor the Swim

Back Mark Cleary & Teena Gates for their 3rd Great Killary Fjord Swim fundraiser.

Sponsor Now

Buy the Book

Love Is Not Enough – 100% of proceeds go directly to WASP.

Buy Now

Volunteer

Share your time and skills. From admin to facilitation, every pair of hands makes a difference.

Get in Touch
Our Partners & Funders

Funded & Supported By

WASP is grateful to our funders and partner organisations whose generous support makes our work possible. Together we are building stronger, healthier communities.

Gambling Awareness Trust

Supporting our gambling-specific family support and intervention services.

HSE

Health Service Executive – funding our core addiction and disability support programmes.

South Dublin County Council

Community support and partnership enabling WASP to serve families across South Dublin.

Tallaght Drug & Alcohol Task Force

A vital partner in our community-based response to addiction in the Tallaght area.

Reach Out

We're Here for You

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, please reach out. All enquiries are held in complete confidence.

AddressOld School Buildings, Loreto Ave, Nutgrove, D14 N284, Dublin, Ireland
📍 View on Google Maps →
Phone01-4937705
Emailwasp.cep@outlook.com
Websitewww.waspireland.ie

Need Help Right Now?

WASP

01-493 7705

Mon–Fri · 9:30am–5:00pm

Drugs & Alcohol Helpline

1800 459 459

Confidential · Open 9am–midnight daily

Samaritans

116 123

Confidential · Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

www.samaritans.org/ireland ↗

Gambling Support

1800 753 753

Gambling Care Helpline