Derry's Foyle Valley House celebrates 25 years of life-changing support

PICTURED ABOVE: Mayor Ruairi McHugh with Roslyn Lindsay, acting manager cutting the cake to mark the 25th anniversary of Foyle Valley House. Included from left, are Mean Kerry, Mel Patton, and from right, Katherine McColgan, Marlyn McLaughlin, Mickey Doherty and Elaine Taylor, director, Apex. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

Foyle Valley House in Derry  has marked 25 years of delivering exceptional, life-changing support to women in need. Since opening its doors, the scheme has provided a safe and supportive environment for women facing complex challenges, helping them rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. The milestone was celebrated at a special anniversary event attended by the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane, Cllr Ruairi McHugh.

Situated on the Foyle Road in the city, the unique hostel, managed by Apex Housing Association (Apex) and part funded by Supporting People, provides a comfortable and safe home for up to fourteen women.

Staff, residents, friends and family came together for the celebration, which had delicious food, live music from John Breslin and entertainment from the unforgettable Micky Doherty who had everyone laughing, singing and enjoying the celebration.

Speaking at the event, Roslyn Lindsay, Manager of Foyle Valley House, commented: “Foyle Valley House has been a safe, supportive home for many of our communities most vulnerable woman for the last 25 years.  It’s been a privilege to work with and alongside so many remarkable women, and I look forward to us continuing this vital service for many years to come. I would like to thank everyone for coming to celebrate this milestone anniversary with us and thank them for their continued support.”

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Mayor of Derry City and Strabane, Cllr Ruairi McHugh, said: “I was honoured to attend and celebrate 25 remarkable years of Foyle Valley and the life-changing support it has provided to so many in our community. This milestone is a powerful testament to the dedication, compassion and commitment that Foyle Valley offers to each and every individual who comes through their door.

"I’d like to say a huge thanks to the entire team, especially those working tirelessly behind the scenes, and I wish Foyle Valley every continued success for the next 25 years and beyond.”

Ann Marie, who has been a resident of Foyle Valley House for seven years spoke about her experience of the service, praising the compassion and support she has received:

“I am undoubtably alive today because of the staff at Foyle Valley House. I arrived at Foyle Valley House, lost, broken and alone. I was caught up in the grip of addiction and ready to give up on life.  Each and every member of staff showed me compassion, understanding, patience and hope for the very first time in my life.

Wherever life takes me in the future, there’s a part of my heart that will always be with the amazing, inspirational ladies at Foyle Valley House.”

Foyle Valley House offers accommodation, support and inclusion for residents to manage their alcohol use in a manner that is safe and reduce harm to themselves, providing a safe and welcoming home with 24-hour staff support, ensuring residents feel secure and always supported.

The service includes all meals and beverages seven days a week, personalised assistance from a dedicated key worker, and access to local primary healthcare services.

Residents are encouraged to participate in recreational, educational, and social activities, with links to specialist services such as counselling and addiction support.

Foyle Valley House also offers resettlement guidance and ongoing move-on support, helping individuals build independence and move confidently toward the next stage of their lives.

For more information about Foyle Valley House, phone the scheme on 028 7136 2689, or visit www.apex.org.uk.