Funding cessation closes Crisis Intervention Service at Foyle Bridge

The Community Crisis Intervention Service (CCIS) based near Derry’s Foyle Bridge is closing due to the cessation of its funding.

The closure of the service, which is run by Extern, is scheduled for Monday - June 30, 2025. 

According to Leslie Ann Scott, the organisation’s CEO, said, since its inception in Autumn 2021, CCIS has been funded through the Department of Health’s Mental Health Funds and administered by the Community Foundation NI. 

Additional support from the Health Department and Extern’s Board allowed an extension of the service during the difficult winter months and to continue until June 2025.

Over the past three and a half years, CCIS has provided more than 3,400 one-to-one crisis de-escalations and interventions to individuals experiencing mental health crisis in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area.

Ms Scott said: “The loss of this service is a profound setback and will impact the community in a region that has the highest rates of self-harm in Northern Ireland and high rates of suicide, with Northern Ireland being the highest in the UK. 

“Its absence will inevitably place increased pressure on acute healthcare and emergency services. The attached document outlines the impact of the service and the consequences of its closure in greater detail.

“While Extern recognises the significant financial pressures facing the Department of Health, we remain deeply concerned for those who relied on CCIS. Many individuals have expressed devastation at the loss of a service they turned to in times of acute crisis.

“Extern remains deeply committed to developing critical supports to individuals experiencing crisis. We recognise the vital role that the Crisis and Community Intervention Service (CCIS) has played, and we will continue pursuing future opportunities to re-establish the service. However, any future funding must be secure, sustainable and aligned with the best interests of those who depend on it most.”

Derry City and Strabane District councillor Sandra Duffy (Sinn Féin) said she was  seeking urgent talks following confirmation that the Community Crisis Intervention Service (CCIS) was to close due to a lack of funding.

She said: “Councillors were briefed that the Community Crisis Intervention Service delivered by Extern will close on June 30 when the current funding comes to an end.

“Despite repeated efforts and some short-term funding extensions, a long-term funding solution has not been secured and that will be devastating to service users and providers alike.

“The CCIS was developed in conjunction with the Western Trust, Health and Social Care board, Ulster University, Foyle Search and Rescue and Council to provide a low threshold responsive service, addressing issues of crisis, self-harm, suicidal ideation and substance misuse, using de-escalation techniques, with support and trained counsellors on hand to ensure the person receives the appropriate help that they need. 

“It has played a vital role in saving lives in this city and even at this late stage every effort must be made to secure it.

“I will be seeking urgent discussions with both Extern and Council officials to explore every possible intervention that would allow this service to continue.”

People Before Profit Cllr Shaun Harkin said: "The imminent closure of Extern's Crisis and Community Intervention Service in Derry is a massive blow. 

"CIS has provided urgent support to thousands of individuals experiencing an acute mental health crisis in Derry City and Strabane District Council area. 

"The loss of CCIS is devastating for those who have depended on it, and will undoubtedly increase pressure on healthcare services in a context where mental health continues to be chronically underfunded. 

"Our thoughts, and thanks, go to Extern workers and volunteers who will be impacted. 

"The lack of secure and sustained funding for CCIS is the responsibility of the Health Minister and Department. 

""It's unacceptable for the Minister to allow a decrease in critical intervention support at this moment, given the rates of self-harm and suicide. 

"This announcement, taken along with the core funding cut to the Northlands Centre, is profoundly worrying. 

"Vulnerable people need protection and support. The Minister is accountable for the loss of this vital service and must immediately act to address the gap in support that will result."