On Friday 18th July, Mark Baillie and I visited Foyle Haven Day Centre in Derry/Londonderry. The centre is run by DePaul, and I had heard great things about this service and was not disappointed. We were greeted warmly by Sabrina and Ellen.
As we entered the large, airy room, laughter and joking filled the air. The staff desk was at the back, welcoming and unassuming. One of the first things I noticed was the healthy banter in the day centre. It had a lively, familial atmosphere. The smell of homemade lunch drifted from the kitchen while staff joked around with the people playing pool. We also noticed beds with medical screens, providing privacy for those who need rest. It can be difficult to get a full night’s rest when you are experiencing homelessness. These beds looked warm and comfy and were discreet enough not to draw direct attention.
A Dedicated Staff Team
DePaul provides low-threshold, specialist services for people at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness. Foyle Haven offers hot meals and a safe daytime space, companionship and social engagement, support for health, housing, and wellbeing, and recreational activities such as beach trips, fishing, and art. This work is made possible by a compassionate and dedicated staff team.
We met Helena Bracken and Darren (Dougal) McPartland, whose dedication is evident in everything they do. Dougal has been with the service for 21 years, bringing extensive experience, knowledge, and community connections. Helena, Operations Manager since 2022, is respected for her authenticity, positivity, and compassion, focusing on celebrating small changes that lead to lasting, healthy outcomes. Both Dougal and Helena have built strong relationships with local businesses and residents, making Foyle Haven a trusted service in the community.
Registration and Person-Centred Support
Foyle Haven registers over 30 individuals, with registration helping staff understand each person’s needs. The service is person-centred, taking guidance from individuals while maintaining professional boundaries. It also focuses on harm reduction and providing healthy, engaging ways to spend the day, including beach trips, fishing, excursions, art, health-related activities, and housing assistance. This wide range of support is made possible by a fully dedicated and compassionate staff team. Even those passing through without time to register still receive support for the day or night.
Homeless Health Peer Advocacy (HHPA)
We then met Brian O’Kane and Chloe Deeny, who is lead on DePaul’s Homeless Health Peer Advocacy Pilot. This project improves health outcomes for people experiencing homelessness.
Accessing health services can be challenging due to stigma or prioritising survival over wellbeing. DePaul know the benefits of working with people with lived experience. Who better to shape services, frame polices and influence processes than the people who use them? With this knowledge in mind, HHPA uses peer support to help individuals:
- Arrange and attend health appointments
- Understand medical guidance
- Improve engagement with both mental and physical health services
If this is a service that could be of use to you or someone you know, please contact: Chloe Deeny – chloe.deeny@depaulcharity.net | 07355616708
Lunch and Reflection
We joined staff and residents for a homemade lunch prepared by Sharon Hartwell. Conversation, laughter, and camaraderie filled the room.
Leaving the centre, I reflected on the positive impact of the service and the dedication of the staff. Foyle Haven is where the work of reducing and preventing homelessness begins. It removes stigma, highlights challenges, and provides support for people who need it most.
Together, we can make a difference.
Nikki McConville, Lived Experience Coordinator
