THE Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Brian Tierney, has warmly welcomed news that the Department of Health will provide an additional £66,000 funding to ensure the continuation of the Derry Community Crisis Intervention Service.
An emergency meeting was held on Wednesday evening convened by People Before Profit councillor Shaun Harkin after staff at the centre were put on redundancy notice.
Speaking following the fresh funding announcement, Mayor Tierney said the news was hugely positive news.
He said Councillors at Full Council last night had raised concern over the lack of funding for this much needed service and he was delighted that the Minister had stepped up to provide the funding needed to allow the essential service to continue.
Mayor Tierney said the important role carried out by the Community Crisis Intervention Services in supporting the work being done by the Health Service was more evident than ever before.
“The CCIS works effectively in tandem with our health professionals.
“It alleviates pressures on the health service and offers a compassionate and caring service for those in immediate crisis whose needs are currently not being met.
“I am pleased that the Minister has responded to our calls to fund this essential service and hope it gives some stability to the staff and users.”
“I urge all our partners across the sector to support the establishment of a permanent service here in the North West and as a Council we will continue to lobby for this support over the coming months,” added Mayor Tierney.
