The Derry City and Strabane District Civic Forum, chaired by the presiding Mayor Cllr Ruairí McHugh, brings together elected representatives and community leaders to address key social challenges. These include alcohol and drug misuse, emotional wellbeing, suicide prevention and homelessness. Recognising that many individuals are affected by more than one of these issues, the Forum promotes joined-up, collaborative responses to ensure support is coordinated and effective.

During the session, SUMIT Programme Manager Dr Donna Tedstone and Senior Researcher Dr Karen McGuigan provided an overview of the project’s progress and outlined its next phase of development. They were joined by Edel O’Doherty, CEO of Developing Healthy Communities, an associate partner in the project.

The team also welcomed the opportunity to connect with Darren McPartland from Depaul, who has taken part in SUMIT’s service provider co-design workshops. Darren expressed strong support for the initiative, noting that his involvement to date has reinforced the potential benefits the project could bring to frontline services.

Councillors and civic leaders responded positively to the presentation, particularly recognising the importance of cross-border collaboration in addressing the complex challenges associated with substance use and mental health.

The Forum further provided an opportunity for the SUMIT team to strengthen relationships with organisations working across mental health, homelessness and suicide prevention, as well as other PeacePlus-funded initiatives focused on drug and alcohol issues.