A vital crisis intervention service in Londonderry has been forced to close after government funding ended, leaving thousands without specialist out-of-hours support.
Extern NI confirmed that its Community Crisis Intervention Service (CCIS) had shut down after funding from Stormont’s mental health support fund expired earlier this year. The fund had provided the majority of the service’s financial support.
In a statement shared on social media, Extern said it was “deeply saddened that we can no longer provide this support to our community.”
The Department of Health (DoH) said budgetary pressures had left a “funding gap of some £600m.”
It acknowledged the importance of the service, adding: “The minister greatly appreciates the services that have been offered through the community crisis intervention service. The work undertaken, and support provided through these services, have been of vital importance to those in the community who need it most and in supporting statutory services, in what remains a challenging environment.”
The service was originally funded for three years through the mental health support fund. After that funding expired in 2024, short-term non-recurrent funding allowed the service to continue until June 2025.
Over the past three and a half years, more than 3,000 people in the north-west accessed the service, according to Derry and Strabane SDLP councillor Brian Tierney. Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle’s North West Today programme, he said its closure would leave a major gap in local crisis care.
While the CCIS has now closed, support is still available for those in distress. In Northern Ireland, individuals can call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000, a 24-hour helpline. The Samaritans can also be contacted on 116 123 in both the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
A full list of support organisations can be found at bbc.co.uk/actionline.
