Trade unions protesting over cuts to Foyle Haven in Derry
STREET drinkers have warned that lives could be lost if a drop-in centre in Derry has its hours cut.
Foyle Haven, based in John Street, will have to open later and close earlier from Monday to Saturday from the end of July.
And it will also have to shut all day on Sundays.
The vital service in the city has been operating a seven-day-a-week service for the last six years.
The charity Depaul, which runs Foyle Haven, said it had exhausted all funding options.
Foyle Haven is a frontline day service that provides accommodation and support to vulnerable members of the local community.
It is used by over 200 people each year for support with housing issues and harm reduction.
Depaul CEO Kerry Anthony said that job losses were inevitable.
“We remain deeply dedicated to the Foyle Haven Day Centre, however, without a commitment of long term funding we are faced with no other option but to reduce the hours of the service,” she said.
“Depaul will continue to advocate and seek alternative long term funding options for this service.”
Kieran, who uses the facility, told the BBC he appreciates the help he receives every day.
“It is a safe place to be for alcoholics,” he said.
“It is somewhere to eat and have some fun.
“We may be alcoholics but we aren’t bad people.
“We need this place.”
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