Foyle Haven saved

A rescue package to save the Foyle Haven - Derry's drop-in centre for street drinkers and the homeless - has been agreed, the '˜Journal' can reveal this morning.
The Foyle Haven entrance, John Street.The Foyle Haven entrance, John Street.
The Foyle Haven entrance, John Street.

The city’s Mayor, Elisha McCallion, confirmed last night that crucial funding which secures the immediate future of the centre had been found.

It’s understood the rescue package will ensure the service remains up and running for the next year - at least.

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The Foyle Haven provides accommodation, food and support services to vulnerable members of the local community, including street drinkers and the homeless.

Assistance provided includes hot meals, access to shower and laundry facilities and a programme of regular social activities for adults with addiction issues.

The service has been at risk of closing due to a funding crisis.

Mayor McCallion said she was “delighted and relieved” that the rescue funds had been secured.

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She paid tribute to those agencies who, she said, had played a key role in sourcing the money to protect what she described as an “essential service”.

“The Foyle Haven is a vitally important service for vulnerable people in our city,” she said. “For many of its regular users, it’s a lifeline for them. Not only does it provide them with food and essential services, it’s a safe haven for them to congregate and interact and to find help and assistance in dealing with their problems.

“This is why it was so important that every effort was made to ensure that funding was secured and the service retained.”

The Mayor said further talks to discuss the long-term sustainability of the John Street project were planned.

“I think the fact that we have secured this funding shows the true spirit of collaborative working which exists in this city and district,” she added.

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