Green Party’s Bláithín Gallagher advocates for Signposting Service in Leitrim County Council

Green Party Candidate for the Manorhamilton LEA, Bláithín Gallagher, is advocating for the establishment of a comprehensive signposting service within Leitrim County Council.

Facilitated by social workers, this service would support individuals dealing with trauma, domestic abuse, and other crises.
Gallagher stated, “A signposting service would be invaluable in our County Council, especially through the work of dedicated social workers.

Individuals suffering from trauma, domestic abuse, or other severe issues often find it overwhelming to access necessary services on their own.

“We need more social workers in our County Councils to liaise with all supporting services and to intervene early before crises escalate.”

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Gallagher emphasised the critical nature of this service, saying, “The importance of this service cannot be overstated. A signposting service in this context would provide crucial trauma-informed guidance and support to individuals in crisis, helping them navigate and access necessary services efficiently and compassionately.

“It is crucial to have skilled staff who are qualified and experienced to engage effectively with individuals in need of support. This is a real missing link in our current support systems.”

Gallagher continued, “A compassionate trauma-informed signposting service is essential for dealing with issues faced by our residents, including housing applicants, people who are homeless, members of the travelling community, and victims of domestic abuse or other trauma.

“From 1980 to 2010, we had clinics provided county-wide on a weekly basis. We need to reinstate this service. My understanding is that there is potential for up to 90% funding from the Department of Local Government for such posts.”

Gallagher's advocacy is further supported by the findings of a 2020 report by the Housing Agency, which recommends that the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage collaborate with relevant agencies to develop a strategic vision for social work services in local government.

This vision should leverage the professional competencies of social workers to address the evolving needs of local authority tenants, Travellers, homeless individuals, and other vulnerable groups.

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The report calls for the establishment of a generic service delivery model for local authority social work, emphasising equitable access based on need and proposing a national framework to ensure consistency, governance, and accountability across all local authorities.

Gallagher’s call to action is rooted in recent personal experiences and conversations.

“I've met many people on their doorsteps who desperately need such a service. We must address this gap and provide a compassionate, effective signposting service to support our community members.”

In light of the Housing Agency's recommendations and the evident community need, Gallagher's proposal for a signposting service within the County Council is both timely and essential.