Organisation Descriptions (For Media Use)

50-Word Description

Ana Liffey is a values-led harm reduction organisation supporting people affected by substance use, homelessness, mental health challenges and social exclusion. Founded in 1982, Ana Liffey provides low-threshold, non-judgemental services across Dublin, the Midwest and the North East, helping people access support, healthcare, advocacy and recovery pathways.

25-Word Description

Ana Liffey provides low-threshold, non-judgemental support to people affected by substance use, homelessness and social exclusion across communities in Ireland.

10-Word Description

Non-judgemental support for people affected by substance use.

Key Facts & Impact Highlights

Evidence-based, journalist-friendly facts that demonstrate the scale and reach of Ana Liffey's work.

• 4,960 people accessed support through Ana Liffey services

• 1,830 health and social care referrals completed

• 923 people supported through structured care plans

• 447 frontline staff trained across partner organisations and services

• 297 outreach interventions delivered in communities

• 175 physical health interventions completed

• 129 hospital referrals facilitated

• 98 people sleeping rough directly engaged and supported

For more than 40 years, Ana Liffey has worked alongside people affected by substance use, homelessness and social exclusion, providing practical, person-centred support and advocating for evidence-informed responses to drug-related harms.

Leadership Summary

Dawn Russell – Chief Executive Officer

Dawn Russell is Chief Executive Officer of Ana Liffey and has worked with the organisation for almost two decades. Beginning her career on the frontline, Dawn has extensive experience in harm reduction, social care and service development.

Today she leads Ana Liffey's work across service delivery, advocacy, organisational development and regional growth, helping ensure people affected by substance use, homelessness and social exclusion can access practical, compassionate support when they need it most.

A shorter media version is available upon request.

Our Services

Harm Reduction & Needle Exchange
Practical, evidence-based support that helps people reduce drug-related harms and stay safer.

Outreach Services
Meeting people where they are through street outreach, hostel engagement, community-based support and assertive outreach.

Medical & Nursing Support
Health interventions, healthcare navigation and support delivered through experienced clinical teams.

Case Management
Person-centred support, care planning and coordinated pathways into treatment, housing and other services.

Community Detox & Group Work
Structured programmes that help people build stability, reduce harms and pursue recovery goals.

LEAR Programme
A flagship justice-health partnership supporting people involved with Gardaí, the courts and wider justice services.

Drug-Related Intimidation Support
Specialist support for people affected by drug-related threats, coercion and intimidation.

Policy & Advocacy
Working locally, nationally and internationally to improve policy, influence practice and promote evidence-based approaches.