Strong Community Demand Leads to Expansion of Community Addiction Studies Course in Portlaoise
Community Addiction Studies
Strong community demand throughout 2025 has led to the expansion of a Community Addiction Studies (QQI Level 5) course in Portlaoise, with additional places now being made available for the 2026 intake.
Delivered by Laois Partnership Company, in collaboration with The ARC Project and An Cosán, the course responds directly to sustained interest from individuals, families, volunteers, and community workers seeking greater understanding of addiction and its impact at a local level.
The 18-week programme will run on Wednesday mornings, commencing 11 February, and will be delivered at Laois Partnership Company, New Road, Portlaoise. High levels of interest and waiting lists during 2025 highlighted the need for increased capacity, resulting in expanded provision and wider access to a recognised QQI Level 5 qualification.
The programme is grounded in a community development approach, supporting participants to build knowledge, confidence, and practical skills that can be applied across community, voluntary, youth, and support settings. Learning is informed by lived experience and local context, ensuring relevance and meaningful impact.
Commenting on the expansion, Michelle Robertson and David Delaney, Co-Founders of The ARC Project, said:
“The strong demand we saw throughout 2025 reflects a real shift in how communities want to respond to addiction. People are looking for understanding, compassion, and practical knowledge rather than stigma or silence. Education empowers individuals and strengthens communities, and this course is a direct response to that need.” A spokesperson for Laois Partnership Company added:
“Community development is about listening and responding to what people tell us locally. The level of demand in 2025 made it clear that this course was meeting a genuine need. By expanding provision, we are enabling more people to build the skills and confidence required to support healthier, more resilient communities.” Places on the programme are limited and eligibility criteria apply.
For further information or to apply, contact Eimear Kelly at Laois Partnership Company on 087 2230710 or email eimearkelly@laoispartnership.ie.
