Team Meet & Greet: Alan

Alan / Manager - Rialto Community Drug Team (RCDT)

We recently caught up with Alan, Manager with the Rialto Community Drug Team (RCDT) - read on to learn more about his role!

1. Tell us a bit about yourself – What’s your role at St Andrew’s, and which project are you involved with?

My name is Alan, and I’m the Manager of the Rialto Community Drug Team (RCDT). I’m from the local area and went to school in James’ Street. Most of my career has been working with youth projects in both community and school settings. I initially joined RCDT through a temporary role-sharing position with a previous manager for about a year. When she moved on, I stepped into the role full-time, and I’ve now been here for over ten years. RCDT also plays a significant role in the Canals Community Local Drugs and Alcohol Task force which covers Bluebell, Inchicore and Rialto.

2. Can you give us an overview of what your project does within the centre?

‍RCDT was the first community addiction service in the country, established in 1992. The core structure has remained largely the same, offering a wide range of supports including one-to-one addiction support, housing assistance, community prison links, club drug support, child & family services, drop-in support, and holistic therapies. The service is open to everyone, regardless of their socio-economic background or personal situation.

‍3. What have been some recent highlights or challenges in your role?

‍A major highlight is the day-to-day work being carried out by the team — their dedication and the impact they have on people’s lives is incredible. Most of our work is grounded in serving the Rialto & D.8 community, even in the face of challenging funding and often difficult policy environments. Despite this, we’ve managed to maintain all core services and even expand in some areas.

‍In recent years, we introduced family support groups, who have developed initiatives like the The Blocks 1 & 2 animations with the 3rd and final ‘Blocks 3’ due for release before summer. We also produced Fatima Is My City a short film reflection by a number of local men on their journey through addiction and social regeneration. We are also currently in the final stages of the Hidden Harm research project, which focuses on amplifying the voices of children affected by drug use in their communities.

‍4. For anyone interested in learning more or getting involved with your project, what’s the best way to get in touch?

You can find us on our website or connect with us on social media: https://rialtocommunitydrugteam.org/contact/

‍We also offer drop-in hours for those who prefer to call in:

‍Monday 2pm-4.30pm

‍Tuesday., Wednesday., Thursday., Friday., : 9.30am – 12.30pm

‍For direct contact, you can reach us at admin@rcdt.ie or by phone on (01) 454-0021

5. Lastly, do you have a fun fact, favourite memory, or something that’s inspired you lately that you’d like to share with our readers?

‍One of the most meaningful parts of the work is when clients return and express their gratitude for the support they received. Despite the challenges in the sector, those moments really reinforce our commitment and remind us why the work matters.