Addicted To Hugs

Tiglin founder Aubrey McCarthy with the Higgins duo 14JUNE22

atest press release from Minister Simon Harris, issued on Friday, January 26th 2024…

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD has today outlined the success of an education programme living with addiction issues.

In 2023, the Department and the Higher Education Authority awarded €833,000 for a partnership between Tiglin and the South East Technological University.

To date, 92 students and 30 staff members have benefited from the educational programme.
Minister Harris said: “This is a truly transformational programme. This project is about making sure everyone gets a chance to reach their full potential in life and it is clear it is working.

“A survey of the students showed 89% stated that completing a higher education had a positive impact on their confidence and belief in their abilities.

“A further 81% said that it had a positive impact on their sense of purpose, with over 70% stating that they would like to undertake more studies in the future.

“I believe this programme offers people a second chance at life. We all know the impact of addiction.  There is not one family that has not been impacted by homelessness, drug or alcohol addiction.

“Education can help break that cycle. I am so pleased to see this project embedded and now I want to see it grow.”

The three-year project, which was awarded €833,333 by the HEA in 2022, under the System Performance Funding, is delivered by SETU’s Lifelong Learning in collaboration with Tiglin and focuses on the delivery of higher education courses to individuals impacted by homelessness, drug or alcohol addiction.

Speaking about the impact of the project so far, Professor Veronica Campbell, President SETU said, “I’m delighted to be here today to celebrate the achievements of our project to date. SETU’s partnership with Tiglin, and the support it received from the HEA, means that the university can continue in its strategic goals to maximise educational opportunities for learners by enhancing alternative pathways to third-level courses.

“Our partnership with Tiglin is offering real opportunity for transformational learning and broadening access to higher education for all learners involved.”

”Education is a gift nobody can take away,” says Phil Thompson, CEO of Tiglin, encapsulating the spirit of empowerment that lies at the heart of this collaboration. This ground-breaking project aligns seamlessly with the National Access Plan, embodying the “whole person” approach championed by Tiglin.

“Over the past year, SETU has delivered an impressive array of courses to Tiglin residents, including the Certificate in Learning to Learn at Third Level, Certificate in Introduction to Psychology, Certificate in Communications, and Certificate in Critical and Ethical Thinking in a Changing World.

“This event serves as a testament to the transformative power of education, turning challenges into opportunities.”

The HEA-funded project will continue for a further 2 years and Tiglin and SETU remain committed to providing a pathway to a brighter and more promising future for all.