Work alongside almost young people and families in need
Give hope to almost vulnerable people
Provide direct support to around people with mental health and addictions services
Support almost people through our homelessness services
Support over
people through our work
Engage with more than
people who are managing problem drug and alcohol use
Assist over refugees
Provide almost
young people with training and development opportunities
We believe another chance can change a life. Each year we speak up for, and support, almost 25,000 children, young people, individuals and families across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. We enable people to overcome their challenges, empower positive change and support family unity. In this directory, we list the services we are currently offering within Northern Ireland. To find out more about these and our other work, please visit www.extern.org or call, tel: +44 (0)28 9084 0555
Extern Ireland delivers services in 28 counties across the island of Ireland
*The names have been changed in the service user stories throughout this report to protect the identities of those involved.
The photos we have used are for illustration only and should not be taken as bearing any resemblance to those people involved in our narrative.
Sligo
Mayo Roscommon Galway
Clare
Leitrim
Cavan
Longford
Westmeath
Offaly
Tipperary
Limerick
Kerry Cork
Waterford
Wexford
Kilkenny
Carlow
Wicklow
Kildare Dublin
Meath
Louth
Laois
Monaghan
Donegal
Antrim
Armagh
Derry
Down
Fermanagh
Tyrone
LOCATION: Greater Belfast area
Funded by Department for Communities, Reach Out supports those living within the Greater Belfast area whose lives have been impacted by emotional health and well-being issues, alcohol/substance use and self-harm. We offer a range of tailored supports that include oneto-one support, drop in acupuncture clinics, systemic practice, counselling, complementary therapy and specialist therapeutic interventions. This service is open to anyone on a drop-in or personal contact basis.
Tel: 07841 102958 Email: reachout@extern.org
CRISIS INTERVENTION SERVICE
LOCATION: Belfast
Crisis Intervention is for people who have current and ongoing suicidal thoughts and behaviours and who have been assessed as moderate to high risk. The intervention will focus on de-escalating risk and putting safety measures into place. Crisis Intervention is a face-toface meeting, which will usually take place at the same time each week, offering continued support to reduce the suicidal risk to a low level. Once risk has been lowered, staff at the Extern Crisis Team will liaise with other agencies and refer you for further support, and/or to a GP if necessary. The service is suitable for those who have been assessed as being at moderate to high risk of suicide or serious harm, and is suitable for those aged 14 years and over.
The service is available via self-referral, or referrals from GPs or Community Mental Health Teams.
Extern Crisis helpline, Tel: 0800 085 4808 Email: crisisteam@extern.org
Operating hours are: Monday & Tuesday, 9am-5pm; Wednesday-Friday, 9am-9pm
LOCATION: Belfast
The Family Support and Suicide Prevention Response Project works across the Greater Shankill area supporting people after a loss to suicide. The project is the lead in managing the local Community Response Plan which responds to families and community needs after a suicide has occurred. It delivers accredited and bespoke training and awareness-raising sessions across the local community, as well as home visiting, listening ear sessions and delivery of complementary therapy sessions.
Tel: +44 (0)7442 530576 Email: safe.project@extern.org
COMMUNITIES IN TRANSITION
LOCATION: Belfast, Larne/Carrickfergus
The Communities in Transition (CiT) project works collaboratively with existing community-based projects to deliver a health and well-being project across Larne and Carrickfergus and Belfast’s Greater Shankill area. The project recruits and trains Community Health Champions, offers one-toone intervention to those impacted by drugs, alcohol and poor mental health, raises awareness of available services in the local area and develops resources and training for the local community. The CiT project accepts referrals from all sources, including self-referrals, from anyone aged 18-plus living in the Larne, Carrickfergus or Greater Shankill areas.
The Communities in Transition project is funded by The Executive Office & managed by Cooperation Ireland.
Tel: +44 (0)7483 428559 Email: ExternCIT@extern.org
COMMUNITY CRISIS INTERVENTION SERVICE (CCIS)
LOCATION: Derry-Londonderry & Strabane
The Community Crisis Intervention Service (CCIS) is a community-led initiative which responds to individuals who are observed to be in distress and potentially vulnerable, and who may be at risk of suicidal behaviour. The service provides a timely (within approx. 30mins), non-clinical, community response to individuals experiencing social, emotional or situational crisis over a timeframe of 8pm on Thursdays through to 8am on Sundays. The service provides support and offers a short-term solution to manage immediate crisis.
Tel: +44(0)28 7126 2300
EARLY YEARS
LOCATION: Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh & Omagh, Co Tyrone
Early Years is a group-based programme for young people, aged between 8 and 12, who are experiencing difficulties within home, school and community. The ethos of our Early Years Programme is to enable each young person involved with the groups to become empowered to make informed choices, which will positively influence both their present situation and their future. For this purpose, the Early Years Programme encourages young people to work in conjunction with our group leaders to devise a programme which meets their individual needs in a group environment. Access to this service is via social services’ Family Intervention Service or Gateway.
Tel: +44 (0)28 6634 4004/028 6634 4005 Email: leona.timoney@extern.org
PASSPORT
LOCATION: Derry-Londonderry
Passport is a community-based intervention programme offering support to young people aged 8-12 who are deemed at medium to high risk of experiencing difficulties at home, in school and in the community. The programme operates in a group setting and offers individual work, focused group work, daytrips and residential overnights. The purpose of the programme is to provide all the young people with the opportunity and support to develop essential life skills, experience new opportunities, participate in group activities, gain independence, and build resiliency and confidence in a safe and nurturing environment. Referrals to the programme can only be made via Social Services.
Tel: +44(0)28 7126 21044 Email: carolann.mcintyre@extern.org
KINNAHALLA YOUTH VILLAGE
LOCATION: Hilltown, Co Down
Kinnahalla Youth Village, sitting amid a picturesque landscape at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, creates a peaceful atmosphere ideal for the interventive work we undertake with individuals, families and groups. The site was acquired in 2001 and since then has been developed continuously in order to provide high quality accommodation and complementary support facilities. Young people visiting the youth village can avail of a bespoke residential programme specific to their needs. Our qualified and experienced staff deliver programmes aimed at developing social and interpersonal skills and independent living skills. These programmes are delivered in a fun and engaging environment, alongside a range of outdoor and indoor activities.
Tel: +44 (0)7484 536616 Email: conor.mccallion@extern.org
LINX PROJECT
LOCATION: South Eastern Trust area
The Linx Project is a community-based programme which builds upon the strengths of young people and their families to encourage healthy development, safety, stability and a positive future. We help young people and their parents/carers improve their relationships and we support parents to help their children develop confidence and resilience. Linx seeks to reduce the likelihood of family breakdown and help young people to remain in their home, school and local community. Referrals to this service are made via social services.
Tel: +44 (0)7733 912899 Email: gillian.thompson@extern.org
14-16, at risk of being excluded from mainstream education and who may also be at risk of offending, or entering into care or custody. Pathways educates participants in core subjects and prepares them for the next steps in their lives, such as entering the workplace or going back into the education system. Referrals to this service are made via the Education Authority.
Tel: +44 (0)28 9027 8189/028 9027 8583 Email: ceri.oreilly@extern.org
ROSCOR YOUTH VILLAGE
LOCATION: Co Fermanagh
Located on the shores of Lower Lough Erne, Roscor Youth Village caters for children and young people through a variety of residential programmes. While at Roscor, children are given the opportunity to enjoy more than 50 fun water and land-based activities, which act as a conduit for the delivery of life-changing psychological and social care interventions by Extern’s experienced staff. Each young person attending is encouraged to develop social and interpersonal skills and, depending on age and ability, they take part in independent living skills development. Referrals to this service are usually via social services.
Tel: +44 (0)28 7126 2104 Email: info@extern.org
I was referred to Extern’s FACES project at the age of 11 along with my siblings. We had just started a fostering placement, so this was to help us to settle into our new situation and get some extra support.
A few years later I joined the Pathways project to complete my education, and gained a range of qualifications including English, Maths and ICT.
As my journey with Extern progressed I was given a mentor to work alongside and they helped me look at the options I had. I decided to return to my former school and I am now starting to do my A-Levels. I even did work experience in the summer alongside the Extern staff which really boosted my confidence!
Throughout my time with Extern I struggled with my mental health and other issues I was facing in my family. But every time I needed help and support Extern were there to help and provide a listening ear.
Extern has given me so many special memories and allowed me to try new things in a safe environment. Working with Extern was a brilliant opportunity and helped me through some hard times in my teenage years.
David, FACES/Pathways, Belfastrelationships and maximise potential. The service offers mentoring for young people, aged between 10-17, who are residing in a care placement, or who have prior experience of care placement. Staff engage with young people in a one-to-one relationship, with regular and consistent contact across a six-month period. The aim of the project is to help build capacity and resilience for the young person, as well as provide both emotional and practical support, and develop life and social skills. Referrals are made via social services.
Tel: +44 (0)28 9084 0555 Email: lacmentoring@extern.org
SUMMER CAMP
LOCATION: Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT)
Summer Camp is provided to young people aged 8-13 who live within the Western Health and Social Care Trust region and have been identified as socially excluded, live in an area of high deprivation or are deemed a child in need. Based at the Roscor Youth Village in County Fermanagh, children can participate in a four-day 'holiday' where they can engage in a range of recreational activities available on the site, whilst also developing social and recreational skills. The Summer Camp runs throughout July and August and supports over 200 children every year.
Tel: +44 (0)28 9084 0555 Email: info@extern.org
STRENGTH 2 STRENGTH
LOCATION: Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT)
Strength 2 Strength is a community-based intervention provided to children, aged 8-13, and their families, who are assessed as being in need. It takes a holistic approach to the family, encouraging healthy development, safety, stability and a positive future. The programme accepts referrals from all community and statutory agencies. Programme content includes focused individual work, educational support, residential overnights, and daytrips.
Tel: +44 (0)28 7126 2104 Email: carolann.mcintyre@extern.org
LOCATION: South-Eastern Trust area
The Janus Project is a community-based programme with a residential element, which offers intensive support tailored specifically for young people, who may be experiencing crisis or have been impacted by trauma. The aim of the service is to nurture healthy development, safety and stability, and a positive future for the young people involved. It also builds their capacity and resilience, provides emotional and practical support and develops life and social skills. The project provides individually-tailored support packages to young people aged 11–17 years in the South-Eastern Trust area. The programme includes activities, individual work, day trips, transition plans and residential overnights. Referrals are made via social workers to the South Eastern Trust panel.
Tel: +44 (0)7733 912899 Email: gillian.thompson@extern.org
INTENSIVE SUPPORT FOSTERING
LOCATION: South Eastern and Belfast Health & Social Care Trust Areas
Intensive Support Fostering is a specialist fostering scheme for young people aged 10–18 who present with highly complex needs and challenging behaviour. Difficulties often stem from early developmental trauma, and as such they cannot be placed within mainstream fostering or residential facilities. We have a multi-disciplinary team consisting of social workers, Extern project workers and a clinical psychologist. Our project worker works with the young person to develop an individual and goal-oriented programme of support, designed to provide opportunities to build on their strengths and aspirations. Referrals to this project are made via social services.
Tel: +44 (0)28 9081 7807/07483 428555 Email: andrea.spence@extern.org
people who are in care or have had experience with the Trust’s care support services. The role of the Independent Visitor is to “assist, advise and befriend” through building positive and supportive relationships with individuals, independent of the Trust. The service is provided in both the Northern and Southern sector of the WHSCT, and the referral pathway is through the Trust’s statutory review process for young people.
Tel: +44 (0)28 9084 0555 Email: independentvisitor@extern.org
TIME OUT PROGRAMME
LOCATION: Roscor Youth Village, Co Fermanagh, or Kinnahalla Youth Village, Co
Down
The Time Out programme offers respite, safety and support to children aged 8-17 and their families. Working in partnership with social workers, the service responds to crisis and offers a sanctuary for young people who need time in a safe place where they can reflect and feel valued. Time Out provides the social worker and carers with time to identify the stressors and to connect with support. Time Out staff are trained in a range of skillsets and are highly attuned to what works when providing support to children who have experienced trauma. All referrals are via social work departments.
(Western Trust) Tel: +44 (0)28 7126 2104 Email: leona.timoney@extern.org
(Northern, Belfast and SE Trusts), Tel: +44 (0)7484 536616
Email: conor.mccallion@extern.org
LOCATION: Belfast & North Down
The Youth Engagement Service (YES) is funded by the Public Health Agency. Extern's Belfast and Bangor YES projects have successfully been engaging with young people on behalf of Extern since 2016. Both projects offer a safe social space for young people aged 11-25 within which a confidential health and well-being service is offered. The service provides advice, information and support on any youth-related issue. Key areas of frequent support include mental health and well-being, sexual health, problem substance use, education, employment and advice and signposting. Each project has its own weekly programmes, including age specific drop-ins, events and needs-led activities. There is also an outreach element to the service, which is carried out through engagement with other youth and community groups and a variety of educational settings. Engagement in the service is voluntary and we welcome contact from anyone who wants to know more about the service or to get involved with either project.
(Belfast YES) 5-7 Queen St, Belfast Tel: +44 (0)28 9032 5786
Email: margy.falloon@extern.org
(Bangor YES) Bangor Youth Hub, 2 Railway Court, Bangor Tel: 07436 808425
Email: bangoryes@extern.org
Youth Support is a community-based programme offering support to young people aged 12-17 who are deemed at medium to high risk of reception into care or custody through experiencing difficulties at home, in school and/or in the community. The programme operates in a group setting delivering a tailored intervention programme which includes individual work, focused group work, daytrips and residential overnights. The purpose of the Youth Support programme is to provide young people with the opportunity and support to develop essential life skills, experience new opportunities, participate in group activities, gain independence and build resiliency and confidence in a safe and nurturing environment. Referrals to this programme can only be made via Social Services.
For Derry and Strabane Tel: +44 (0)28 7126 2104 Email: carolann.mcintyre@extern.org
For Omagh and Enniskillen Tel: +44 (0)28 6634 4004/6634 4005
Email: leona.timoney@extern.org
I was really struggling in my life when I first heard about Extern. I was facing feelings of anxiety, having low moods and was just so stressed out about things.
A friend put me in touch with Extern and from the very beginning I felt safe and supported. My first meeting with the team had a real sense of energy, of understanding and importance, which helped immensely.
The guys at the Youth Engagement Service provided a place for me where I could speak honestly about what was going on in my life.
Just having that space to share and talk helped me feel heard and less alone in my problems. This helped me come to terms with my own feelings and get advice on what I needed.
I understand now how to better handle issues in my life and have more of an insight into healthier coping mechanisms. Reaching out to Extern, even if it is just for a chat, can make all the difference if you are struggling like I was. I would recommend it to anyone.
Connor, Youth Engagement Service, Belfast
LOCATION: Belfast
Extern’s Alcohol Housing Support Team works with adults who are at risk of homelessness as a result of their chronic/severe alcohol use. Referrals to the service can be made by any person who wants help, a family member or a concerned professional. Engagement is entirely voluntary and the person can withdraw from the service at any time. Extern will work together with the referred person to agree a plan to address alcohol-related issues. With agreement, there may be liaison with other agencies e.g. addiction, housing, benefits etc. to assist.
Tel: +44 (0)28 9033 0433 Email: ahstreferral@extern.org
BDACT CONNECTIONS
LOCATION: Belfast
The Public Health Agency funds a Connections Service in each of the Health Trust areas in Northern Ireland, whose role is to take forward local campaigns and initiatives in relation to drug and alcohol issues. Extern hosts the Connections team for the Belfast area. The Connections Service is the operational arm of the Drug and Alcohol Co-ordination Teams (DACTs), which are multi-agency partnerships that set local priorities and deliver a drug and alcohol implementation plan across each Trust area. No referral is required for this service.
Tel: +44 (0)28 9084 0555 Email: connections@bdact.info
DRUGS & ALCOHOL CONSULTANCY SERVICE (DACS)
LOCATION: Northern Ireland
Extern DACS builds on Extern’s expertise in supporting people living with problem drug or alcohol use, gained in over 20 years of delivering services in the homelessness and addictions fields in Northern Ireland. Extern is now the largest provider of drug and alcohol support services in Northern Ireland. DACS provides consultancy services, alongside specialist training commissioned by the Public Health Agency, for particular groups. These courses include Naloxone Administration: Opioid overdose response; Naloxone: Training for trainers; Reducing Injecting-Related Harms and Needle and Syringe Provision. We provide drug-related information resources such as on naloxone, pregabalin and an assessment of injecting drug use.
Tel: +44 (0)28 9084 0555 Email: substances@extern.org
Claire, Floating Support
