£40,000 for Crisis Intervention Service

Sinn Fein Councillor Elisha McCallion suggested the move at the monthly Full Council meeting at the Guildhall.

Back in April this year, Derry & Strabane Council revealed that efforts to draw together a business case for a crisis intervention centre in the city to help tackle suicide and self-harm were being taken forward.

The move followed a massive campaign for better services for people in crisis in Derry following a string of tragedies over recent years.

Speaking at the recent Full Council meeting, Colr. McCallion said: “I think its important we actually show our commitment to the project, that’s why I am actually going to propose we put forward £40,000.”

Council officials told Councillors earlier this summer that the business case was being finalised and that an initial scoping exercise indicated that there was a need for a Crisis Intervention Service within the City and District.

A senior Council officer stated that the business case would define the need, scale, cost and options regarding delivery including governance and funding.

He also advised that the number of people within Derry City and Strabane Council area presenting to A&E as a result of self-harming, is above the NI Average.

The business case has reviewed a number of options for delivery, including on site at Altnagelvin and off site within a non-clinical setting. The preferred option is expected to pilot a Crisis Intervention Service off site.

In June however it was said that no clear funding mechanism for a pilot scheme has been identified.