Foyle Search and Rescue hits out at Crisis Intervention Centre funding ‘disgrace’

Stephen Twells issued the invitation amid claims the Department of Health is ‘refusing to meet the cost’ of the Derry Community Crisis Intervention Service beyond the end of March, which he described as ‘an absolute disgrace.’

The Department of Health has confirmed it will not be able to ‘meet the £215k cost of this service in the coming year.’

Writing on the FSR Facebook page yesterday, Mr Twells said: “The fact that any department within Stormont refuses to help fund this is a disgrace. NI has the highest rate of suicide in the UK- fact. Ministers, and local politicians, continually talk about how important the Protect Life 2 strategy is, yet wont fund this life-saving service.”

Mr Twells said if FSR is able to provide some funding to help keep the service going, from what are limited funds, ‘so why can’t central government?’

“It’s not that the Community Crisis Intervention Service (CCIS) is believed to have saved lives in its pilot year, helping over 100 people in varying degrees of crisis, including those at risk of suicide or self-harm. It HAS saved lives.

“It provides a ‘safe space’ for those in crisis from 8pm on Thursdays until 8am on Sundays when many other services are not operational, and is run by Extern NI from the Holywell Building on Bishop Street. We work very closely with this organisation, signposting those in need to them. They do make a difference.

“Granted, the full responsibility for funding this may not have to rest with the DOH, but it certainly rests with the NI government and every single minister who holds a post there.”

Mr Twells concluded: “I invite any minister to come and spend a weekend with our duty night teams, providing a lifeline to someone in distress. Come and walk in our shoes. I doubt many will however.”

The post struck a chord with many of FSR’s followers, who shared the status and commented in agreement.

A Department of Health spokesperson told the ‘Journal’: “Minister Swann has approved £27k allocation to this Council-led service to allow bridge funding for the project to continue until the end of March.

“With regard to funding in 2020/21 - there is a role for many Agencies in provision of this type of service. It is not solely a Health issue. Funding is not available for DoH to meet the £215k cost of this service in the coming year. The Council may therefore wish to convene a multi-agency meeting to discuss potential funding options for 2020/21.”

A spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council confirmed that funding has been confirmed by the Department of Health to fund the continuation of the service until the end of March 2020.

“Last month members of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Health and Community Committee were presented with the findings of an evaluation report into the Community Crisis Intervention Service led by the Ulster University, following a one year pilot of the programme. Having considered all the options regarding the continuation of the CCIS, and the findings of the report, members were advised that project partners recommend that the service should continue for a further two-year period with service improvements incorporated.

“The Committee unanimously approved the recommendation to request that the Department of Health now fully fund and procure a Community Crisis Intervention Service for Derry City and Strabane District Council area. A letter has been issued to the department detailing these recommendations.”