Major expansion begins at Foyle Search and Rescue base

The charity’s chairperson, Stephen Twells, announced the beginning of the development at the organisation’s Victoria Road base.

Mr. Twells said: “We receive a small amount of funding from the Public Health Agency which covers staff costs and from our local council which covers a small percentage of our running costs, but we are fully reliant on the generosity of the public through donations and fundraising events. Through the public’s support over the past three years we have been able to build up enough reserves through fundraising activities and donations to see this project go forward.”

Foyle Search and Rescue’s Adrian Boyd added: “We are constantly growing and expanding as an organisation and the new extension will give additional space for a much needed volunteer training room, changing facilities and bigger kitchen. The extra space will allow us to further the development of our volunteers and the charity. It is our sole aim to continue the vital lifesaving work we do and continue to prevent and intervene in suicide attempts that occur in and around the river Foyle area.”