DRIVE (Drug Related Intimidation & Violence Engagement) is an interagency project with systems and structures to respond to drug related intimidation and associated violence (DRIV) in Ireland. The project is funded by the Department of Health through its drug initiative. The key objective of the DRIVE PROJECT is to support those experiencing drug related intimidation and to build the capacity of communities around Ireland to respond to drug-related intimidation and violence. We help services to support people impacted by drug related intimidation with bespoke training, resources and signposting to local specialist support services. Our training is informed by people with lived experience and other experts. Most importantly we ensure that anyone who experiences drug related intimidation, whether they are a family member or a drug user themselves, can receive non-judgemental, confidential support and access to services. Shame and stigma can often prevent people from accessing support. Through DRIVE, whether you are a service provider or are impacted by intimidation there is a pathway to support for you.
Organisational and governance structures:
This project is overseen by the National DRIVE Oversight Committee which has members from the Regional and Local Drug & Alcohol Task Forces, National Voluntary Drug & Alcohol Sector, An Garda Síochána, HSE National Addiction Advisory Governance Group, Probation Service, Department of Justice and the Health Research Board, with the support of the DRIVE Project Team.
