Foyle Haven
Foyle Haven was established in 2001 by a group of committed people from the local community who wanted to provide support to local street drinkers. Demand for its service grew to such a degree that in 2010 it needed to amalgamate with a national charity to ensure sustainability into the future. In 2011 Foyle Haven amalgamated with Depaul Ireland. It is a safe space where street drinkers can access practical assistance and support to reduce the harm caused by their use of alcohol.
The project won a Glaxo Smith Kline Impact Awards in recognition of its outstanding contribution to improving health care mong street drinkers in Derry City. To demonstrate the value of Foyle Haven to the service users and the community a video was made for the awards ceremony. It is available to view online here.
PROJECT AIMS
- To provide a high quality and comprehensive service to all service users to reduce the harm caused by their dependence on alcohol
- To provide a safe, friendly and welcoming environment for all service users and potential service users.
- To provide access to practical assistance and other specialist support services
- To encourage all service users to participate in activities and in the planning of the service
FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Foyle Haven is a comprehensive and integrated service providing assistance and support to street drinkers . Each service user is encouraged to make use of all the relevant services and to participate in social activities within the centre.
The day centre provides practical assistance including hot meals, access to showers and laundry facilities and a programme of regular social activities.
Floating support workers provide housing related support to service users who are living independently, based on an individual assessment of their needs. Service users work with their support worker to access appropriate services and to address any issues that may threaten their tenancy.
The health worker provides health related support to service users based on their individual needs. This might include support to make contact with relevant services, accompanying service users to appointments and working closely with other agencies to ensure that service users have access to health services appropriate to their individual needs.
TARGET GROUP
Men and women who are or have been street drinkers in the past and are in need of support.
LOCATION
