Sinn Fein Foyle MLA Karen Mullan
But she has challenged the Health Minister to ensure the long term future of the service.
Said the Foyle MLA: “The additional 3 months funding gives some hope to the Derry Community Crisis intervention Service.
“However, the service remains neglected by the Department of Health and is still not named specifically in the Mental Health action plan.
“The additional funding is to be welcomed even if it is late in the day.
“The late extension however will do little to address the concerns of those who deliver the service and importantly those who are saved by it.
”To effectively help those in crisis and those living chaotic lives, a service that is accessible and sustainable is needed.
“The extension of funding goes a small step towards ensuring that those in crisis in Derry and the surrounding areas have a service to meet their needs.
“I have asked the Minister of Health why the Derry community crisis service was not included within his action plan on the evaluation of crisis service and if he would consider an extension. He has not formally answered me, but this announcement of an extension is to be welcomed.
“I note that the Minister has stated that his department are looking at the optimal way to delivery crisis intervention services.
“However, we need to have a clear commitment that the Derry Community Crisis Intervention Service will be retained until after that evaluation of all crisis services is carried out.
“Further commitment and funding from Health Minister is required to ensure this is the case.”
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