'Stigma and shame' could be preventing women with addiction from seeking help, according to Merchant's Quay Ireland.
The organisation launched it's annual report, which found lockdowns led to more people needing its homeless and addiction services.
Services Co-ordinator at MQI Fiona McDonnell says many women wait until they're at 'crisis point' to get help due to stigma.
Today we launch our 2020 Annual Review, which shows that 9,882 people accessed MQI's services last year. @PaulaByrneMQI said: "For women and men who are homeless and struggling with mental health issues and addiction - 2020 was exceptionally difficult." 🔗https://t.co/cfZo7YEe5o pic.twitter.com/mbC0H5dKG6
— Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI) (@MerchantsQuayIR) October 21, 2021
Just under 9,900 people accessed MQI's services in 2020 - around 1800 were women.
262 18 to 24 year olds were supported, while 137 people were admitted for detox or rehab.
MQI says the lockdown had an impact on the increased numbers needing their services, but the full long-term impact is not yet clear.
