New Members and New Directors

Northlands made efforts since 2003 to attract new members to the organisation and build a solid base of support for its work. As a result, to date there are 70 database members who will be contacted regarding renewals in 2007. No new directors in 2006.

New Drug-Free Area at Magilligan Prison

Northlands have been running a Drugs Education & Awareness Programme at Magilligan Prison since 2000. In early 2007 Northlands secured funding for the continuation of existing work for a further year. The work involves 1-1 counselling, accredited training programmes for prisoners and prison staff. The project also supports family members and offers prisoners and their families support post release. Ongoing work has led to over 300 referrals of which 88% were attended and 1,500 1-1 counselling sessions of which 1,200 were attended for 2006 Also, Northlands research undertaken by the University of Ulster will be available for publication shortly. This research is evaluating the substance misuse programme at the prison.  Research will be completed July 2007.

Ultimately, Northlands would wish to see a therapeutic drug-free area/treatment centre within the prison. To this end Northlands has visited prisons in England and held meetings with the former Health Minister Paul Goggins MP and the Director General of NI Prison Service Robin Masefield.  We believe that a dedicated centre within the prison would engender real change for a great many people and their families throughout the North-West.

Non-Residential Counselling project

Northlands are currently seeking new funding to replace Lloyds TSB Foundation for NI monies, which expired in September 2006.  Northlands have secured funding from Foyle Health & Social Services Trust, The Pilgrim Trust and J Paul Getty Jr. Charitable Trust. A further application is submitted to the Big Lottery Fund.  If successful and taken together with other secured funding should enable the project to continue for three more years.  This project is a central piece of Northlands work The numbers of people asking Northlands for a non-residential recovery programme have increased substantially in recent years and the project has on average 550 referrals per year.

Residential treatment is not appropriate for everyone, particularly in a modern world where people have jobs and careers, family and dependents and busy life schedules.

Youth Counselling Project

This is a new project. Northlands and the Area Mental Health Unit at Gransha Hospital are in partnership. The project is funded by Northern Ireland Drugs and Alcohol Strategy and managed by Western Drugs & Alcohol Co-ordination Team. The client group are young people between the ages of 8 to 18.

The project began October 2006 and to March 2007 has received 40 referrals. Project officers have been joined by a new worker in May 2007 to job share.  The referrals typically come from family, self and Youth Justice Agency. Otherwise, Youth Counselling receives referrals from probation, social services, the Community Mental Health Team. The project also supports regular groups in Jefferson Court as well as in schools and youth venues in Strabane and Limavady. The drug of choice reported to the project amongst young people is Alcohol, Cannabis and Ecstasy.

Northern Health & Social Care Board (Homefirst & Causeway Trust)

Northlands continue to provide counselling services in the Causeway and Homefirst Trust areas.  During the year 2006, thirteen clients each were referred from the Homefirst and from Causeway Trust area to Northlands six-week residential treatment programme. Northlands also continue to provide counselling support in The Lodge Health Centre in Coleraine and The Resource Centre Castlerock Coleraine two days per week. In 2006, there were 129 referrals to the outreach work and 400 1-1 contacts to the service in Coleraine.

NIHE Supporting People Initiative

Northlands have been receiving Supporting People funding since April 2003, this funding is paid through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and it provides for support services to a vulnerable client group.  The goal is for residents to learn and develop independent living skills, which will enable them to maintain their accommodation. 

Supporting People places particular emphasis on Health & Safety, Equal Opportunities, Anti-Discrimination Legislation, and Protection of Vulnerable Adults from Abuse. 

We wish to thank our principal funders for 2006/2007

• Department of Health & Social Services
• Foyle Health & Social Services Trust
• The Prison Service of Northern Ireland
• Lloyds TSB Foundation for Northern Ireland
• NIHE Supporting People initiative
• Homefirst Community Trust
• Causeway Health & Social Services Trust

We would also like to thank a great number of people and organisations for their donations:

• City of Derry Golf Club
• The Christmas Swim Team
• Greencastle Golf Club
• St Mary’s College
• Bridgend Service Point
• Charities Gift Aid
• Women’s Welfare Trust
• Anonymous and small or private donations
• Annual Flag Day Volunteers and Helpers, in Derry at Muff and Bridgend and special thanks to everyone who took part in the parachute jumps for Northlands

Many others have given their time, expertise or goodwill to the organisation and we thank you all. Special thanks also to the Northlands Volunteer Team whose members continue to give so generously of their time, talent and experience.