MAYOR of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Brian Tierney is requesting an urgent meeting with the Minister for Health Robin Swann to discuss the current financial status of Derry’s Community Crisis Intervention Centre.
Funding for the service will expire at the end of June and the Mayor believes it is imperative that funding for the service is provided by the Department.
Last week members attending a meeting of Full Council passed a notice of motion showing support for the work carried out by the Crisis Intervention Service and calling for immediate funding intervention by the Department of Health for the continuation of the service.
They also agreed that Council writes to the NI Executive requesting that they intervene to provide funding to ensure the Protect Life 2 Strategy is further resourced.
Mayor Tierney says he is calling on the Minister for Health to urgently meet with him to discuss this issue and provide the monies needed to allow the service to continue.
“The Community Crisis Intervention Service has been essential in reducing the incidence of self-harm and suicide and ultimately resulting in wide ranging societal benefits for the local community,” said Mayor Tierney.
“The service has provided support to individuals of all ages who needed comfort and support, with a strong emphasis placed on de-escalation and stabilisation, as well as family support and onward referral to statutory services where appropriate.
“The service provider has done an excellent job in delivering this essential community service and it is imperative that Government steps in and provides the funding necessary for it to continue.
“I am writing to the Minister asking for an urgent meeting to discuss this so that this service can continue beyond June,” added the Mayor.
