A few years ago, the Diótörés Foundation’s financial problems became so vast that they saw no other way than to discontinue its project to help young drug abusers in Hungary. They turned to the Norway Grants and were granted support of nearly €1 million to continue their important work to treat and help young, homeless drug addicts in Hungary.
"The only reason we are still here is because of the support from Norway. With this help we can continue to treat young adults that probably wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for us," says project manager Gabriella Csépányi.
A new treatment centre
Now the Foundation’s 100 to 150 young drug addicts can continue their treatment and the Foundation has been able to expand their training of personnel in treatment methods, as well as the facilities of The Nut Tree Rehabilitation Centre in Lulla, located 140 km from Budapest.
The centre has room for 18 patients between the ages 18 to 30. The patients learn to interact with people without drugs, and to live without drugs or other substances. Connected to the centre are two psychologists, four nurses, one person responsible for work rehabilitation, two doctors and two doctors with specialization in addiction problems.
Norwegian partnership
The Foundation has also been able to refurbish a treatment centre in Budapest that will provide the necessary healthcare treatments. The centre was officially opened with a formal ceremony in April, where Norway’s ambassador to Hungary was present.
"You have reached out to persons who, due to lack of a supportive network, might face lifelong homelessness and marginalisation. I am proud that Norway can, through the Grants, support such a vital and life altering project," said Her Excellency, Siri Ellen Sletner.
The ambassador also took time to emphasise the close partnership that the Foundation has established with the Norwegian Tyrili Foundation that treats and helps drug addicts in Norway.
"The knowledge and experiences you have shared with each other will become valuable when planning and implementing similar projects in the future. I would also like to thank Diótörés for years of dedicated work. I wish you all the best in the future."
Photo: Guri Merete Smenes, Royal Norwegian Embassy