Short-term fix for Derry street drinkers' centre

The immediate threat to a day care centre for Derry's street drinkers has been lifted after funding was secured for a further month.
The Foyle Haven entrance, John Street.The Foyle Haven entrance, John Street.
The Foyle Haven entrance, John Street.

Attempts are ongoing meanwhile to try to secure longer term funding for the Foyle Haven facility used by local people afflicted with alcoholism.

The short term funding has been secured from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, and will enable the day centre to remain open until the end of April.

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A spokesperson for Depaul Ireland which runs Foyle Haven, said: “Depaul wants to extend gratitude to the many people from the statutory agencies, voluntary sector and also Councillor Elisha McCallion, first Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, for their continued support in addressing the funding issues facing Foyle Haven​ Day Centre.”

Depaul has now met with the staff team to update them on the funding situation.

“Staff have been informed that protective notice will continue for one month,” the spokeswoman said, adding:

“There have been no redundancy notices issued. Considerable efforts are​ ​continuing to be ​made with​ ​a​​ ​range of statutory funders​ ​to secure the service into the future and discussions will continue with a range of agencies in the nex​t​ ​​few weeks on the longer term sustainability of the day centre.”

The Foyle Haven Day Centre was opened in December 2001 and provides assistance and support to Derry’s street drinkers.