The Community Crisis Intervention Centre in Derry has once more found itself in the position where the funding clock has run out of time and they are forced to present the begging bowl. This vital service is under threat of closure without urgent intervention.

SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan & Chair of the All Party Group on Mental Health is calling on Health Minister Swann to secure rolling funding for this hard-fought provision in an area of greatest need.

The service has been struggling on a shoestring budget to provide critical support to our most vulnerable. Their work to date has been invaluable to every individual and every family they have helped in this city. This service has saved lives. 

This badly and sadly needed crisis intervention service was hard-won and must be protected. Tackling the scourge of poor mental health requires more than just talking shops. We need on the ground response, in the heart of our communities making real life changing, indeed life-saving differences to individuals and their families. 

Undoubtedly, this will prove an even more challenging prospect as we consider the far-reaching impact of the Covid-19 crisis on society. With this in mind, it is clear that community based mental health provision will prove all the more essential in the months ahead. To choose not to provide funding for this crucial crutch is mindboggling. It is imperative that the Department of Health takes a creative look at ensuring the continuation of this service. Clearly, the piecemeal approach- as has been the nature of the funding so far- is not workable. We need to see rolling funding for this life-saving community provision.