'Growing concern': New addiction support service for young people launched in Kilkenny for South-East
Drug and addiction services across South-East are reporting people presenting at a younger age
A new addiction support service for young people has been launched in Kilkenny by Minister of State Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, who has responsibility for National Drugs Strategy.
The launch event took place in the Hoban Hotel. Known as ‘Seypas’ – South East Young Persons Addiction Support – the new confidential online and in-person service is designed specifically for young people aged 16 to 24 experiencing issues related to substance use.
Seypas has been developed in response to growing concern regarding the increasing complexity and earlier onset of substance use among young people. Drug and addiction services across the South-East are reporting people presenting at a younger age, often with a combination of substance use, mental health challenges, and social pressures.
This new innovative service, delivered by addiction specialists, is funded by the Department of Health through the HSE in the South East and reflects the continued commitment to developing accessible, community-based and early intervention responses to substance misuse.
SEYPAS also aligns with the priorities of Ireland’s forthcoming National Drugs Strategy, which places a strong emphasis on health-led approaches, early intervention, and improving access to supports for young people.
The service provides free, confidential, in-person and one-to-one video support sessions, enabling young people to access help in a way that is safe, private, and accessible, regardless of location. It is designed to reduce barriers such as stigma and to support young people who may be reluctant to engage with traditional, face-to-face services.
“Young people today are navigating a very different environment when it comes to substance use," said Paul Delaney, Coordinator of the Cornmarket Project.
"We are seeing earlier exposure, increased availability, and a range of pressures that can impact on their decision-making and wellbeing.
SEYPAS is about providing a space where young people can talk openly, be listened to, and begin to make informed choices about their lives.”
SEYPAS is part of a broader suite of online supports developed by the Cornmarket Project, aimed at improving access to addiction services across the South East region.
The service adopts a youth-centred, non-judgemental approach, recognising that young people may be unsure about their substance use or hesitant to seek support.
“Our approach is to engage, not to label,” Paul Delaney added.
“It is about supporting young people at an early stage, helping to prevent further escalation and supporting positive outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.”
The service is available across Counties Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny, Carlow, and South Tipperary.
People can avail of the service through: www.youthaddictionsupport.ie.
“Our approach is to engage, not to label,” says Paul Delaney, Coordinator of the Cornmarket Project.