Mayor officially opens relocated Action Mental Health service in Derry

Action Mental Health’s Foyle service enjoyed its official opening on World Mental Health Day, October 10, when iconic buildings across the city of Derry/Londonderry also lit up in purple in support of mental health awareness.

Having provided mental health services in the Foyle region for more than thirty years, Action Mental Health recently relocated from Springtown Industrial Estate to its new Pump Street location in the city centre.

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr SDLP, subsequently cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the new premises.

The launch event was attended by a range of guests from across the voluntary and statutory sectors, along with Action Mental Health clients, the charity’s CEO, David Babington and Action Mental Health chair, Damian McAuley. Western Trust Assistant Director, Colleen Harkin, was also in attendance.

Action Mental Health’s Foyle Service Manager, Pauline Flanagan, said the day was a great success and incredibly well supported by the local community.

She said: “We’re now in the heart of the city, beside the Garden of Reflection. We’re surrounded by local businesses and lots of voluntary sector organisations as well, which is wonderful as it creates lots of opportunities for our clients and also allows us to build better networks."

“The new Pump Street premises are so accessible as well. We’re very close to the bus depot and the train, so are within walking distance now for a lot of our clients.”

Action Mental Health CEO, David Babington, added: “The opening of the Foyle service in its new premises in the city is the start of a new chapter for client support in the area, which Action Mental Health has been doing for over thirty years. We’re very aware that communities really need help with their mental health and wellbeing and this move will ensure that support continues and is even more accessible.”

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr SDLP said: “I was honoured to attend the official opening of Action Mental Health’s state-of-the art new premises at Pump Street.

“Action Mental Health plays a key role in community life by actively promoting mental health and wellbeing in our city and district. This new facility will help them to deliver their wide range of key services from the heart of the city and ensure they can make a positive impact on the lives of anyone in our council area who needs their support.”