Breaking Barriers: Eileen's Journey from Addiction to Social Impact

In this episode, Eileen shares her powerful story of overcoming a challenging upbringing in Ballymun, Dublin, during the heroin epidemic of the 1980s and 90s. She discusses her 14-year struggle with drug addiction, her journey to recovery, and how she found solace and a new path in hairdressing. Eileen is now the founder of 'Hair Together,' an award-winning social enterprise that teaches hairdressing and barbering with integrated personal development and well-being programs to young people from challenging backgrounds and women exiting the prison service. Eileen talks about the impact of her programs, the importance of community and support, and her ongoing mission to help the next generation. She also touches on the challenges of running a social enterprise and her hopes for further expansion and community support.

Timestamps

00:00 – Opening Poem & Introduction

00:38 – Meeting at the PWC Women in Business Awards

00:48 – Eileen’s Work: Hair Together & Social Enterprise

01:21 – Focus on Young People & Women Exiting Prison

02:01 – Eileen’s Background: Growing Up in Ballymun

02:25 – Struggles with Addiction & Finding Hairdressing

03:47 – Recovery, Fashion Weeks, and Giving Back

04:50 – Starting Hair Together: The Early Days

06:09 – How the Program Works & Impact

08:41 – Staying Connected with Graduates

10:15 – Opening the New Salon & Academy

12:14 – Age Range & Types of Participants

13:12 – The Impact on Young People’s Lives

15:54 – Social Enterprise Model & Funding

18:39 – Eileen’s Childhood & First Experiences with Drugs

24:25 – Selling Drugs & Addiction Deepens

31:35 – Family Intervention & Going to Greece

34:00 – Detox, Rehab, and Recovery Journey

41:14 – Life After Rehab: Moving to Waterford

44:07 – Motherhood, Relapse, and Final Recovery

48:41 – Mental Health, Therapy, and Spirituality

54:46 – Advice for Young People

55:53 – The Meaning of Life & Closing Thoughts

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