The Resource Centre Derry (RCD) in conjunction with Depaul Ireland now provide a benefits advice surgery at Foyle Haven day centre 23a John Street. The Service operates every Wednesday between 2pm and 5pm.

Jude McKinney, Manager of the RCD Welfare Rights Dept’  stated

“it is vitally important that the most vulnerable people in society have access to free, independent and impartial advice on issues such as benefits and housing problems … users of Depaul Ireland’s Foyle Haven day centre are some of the most marginalised in society, those with addictions, who experience homelessness and are often multiply excluded. Many people accessing the service have literacy, numeracy and communication difficulties and need vital support and intervention … the complexity of the benefits system, coupled with undue delays and processing of claims and complicated form filling makes it even more difficult and distressing for those relying on social security assistance”

Kerry Anthony MBE, CEO of Depaul Ireland said

“Collaborative partnerships are key to Depaul Ireland and working in partnership with the RCD will enhance the service we can offer from Depaul Ireland’s Foyle Haven service helping some of the most vulnerable people in our local community”

This outreach service enhances the invaluable work carried out by the Depaul Ireland team at Foyle Haven and help those that require open door, face to face, front-line advice by providing accessible generalist advice, advocacy, and support on a range of basic and complex general advice needs. This service will also act as a referral point to specialist agencies where dedicated specialist advice is required, and provide tribunal representation at disability and incapacity appeal hearings.

For more information, contact Resource Centre Derry by telephone on +44 2871 226 550, email welfarerightsinfo@resourcecentrederry.com or use the contact form on our website.