Disappointment over Crisis Service meeting

Speaking after the matter was raised at the recent Full Council meeting, Colr. Duffy said: “I have been requesting this meeting since February, and it is an insult to the people of Derry that it has not taken place.

“Minister Swann may wish to turn his face from this issue and say that it is a council problem, but this is not the case. The CCIS is a service dealing with individuals who are facing a crisis and need de-escalation. This crisis can be due to a mental health episode or as a result of substance misuse. All these issues fall firmly under the remit of the Department for Health and as such the Minister should afford this City the courtesy of a meeting to discuss its future.

“The Minister recently put in a bid for additional funds and included in this bid was the small sum of £1.5 million to fund a mental health strategy. A small addition to this bid could have seen the funding secured for this much needed service in the Derry area which has proven to save lives.”

Mr Swann last month visited the Extern offices to see the work being done by the CCIS. During the visit he agreed to an extension of funding to the end of September.

Minister Swann said: “I hope this funding provides both the breathing space and an opportunity for renewed discussion with stakeholders to try and reach a longer term funding solution. It is incumbent on the Council who commission the service to secure a sustainable funding solution going forward. I encourage all stakeholders to use this additional period as an opportunity to have those conversations and engage extensively with Extern to identify lasting funding options.”