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Extern Launches The Freedom Project ‘Journey of Hope’
Extern is proud to announce the launch of The Freedom Project - Journey of Hope, a transformative 3-year initiative aimed at supporting individuals affected by trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area. Supported by the PEACEPLUS programme and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), this project is set to make a lasting impact on communities across the North West.
The Freedom Project - Journey of Hope will provide trauma-informed support, promote self-advocacy, and build a peer network to foster resilience and recovery. The core focus of Journey of Hope will be on those affected by intergenerational trauma - a legacy of the Troubles that continues to impact our post conflict society.
Extern is a local charity, established in Derry/Londonderry since 1985, and will offer support to young people, families, and individuals in mental health crisis and will deliver the project over three years. The Freedom Project - Journey of Hope aims to support 520 individuals in the local area. The Extern team will journey alongside people supporting them with expert tools and resources to help build resilience to overcome the challenges faced and improve overall well-being.
Extern CEO, Colin Hayburn, said “The Freedom Project - Journey of Hope is a significant milestone in the journey we are all on towards a better society where health and wellbeing is meshed into daily life. This new service, made possible through the PEACEPLUS funding, is a tremendous investment in community resilience and holds the promise of a brighter and better future for anyone who feels isolated and left behind by society.
“By integrating trauma-informed care with peer support, Extern will provide a comprehensive approach to well-being and recovery that empowers individuals and strengthens families. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to making a real difference in the lives of those affected by trauma and mental health challenges."
“By integrating trauma-informed care with peer support, Extern will provide a comprehensive approach to well-being and recovery that empowers individuals and strengthens families. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to making a real difference in the lives of those affected by trauma and mental health challenges."
Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council, Cllr. Lilian Seenoi-Barr, said: “I am delighted to see the launch of the Freedom Project - Journey of Hope in our Council area, where so many people have been impacted by the trauma of a prolonged period of conflict. This project will support and engage hundreds of local people struggling to deal with a range of issues and provide practical and positive approaches to promoting better health and wellbeing. Well done to the Extern team on launching this really valuable initiative.”
"Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council, Cllr. Lilian Seenoi-Barr, joins Project Manager Tiernan Thornton to celebrate the launch of Extern's Freedom Project - Journey of Hope, supporting individuals affected by trauma and mental health challenges."
The Freedom Project - Journey of Hope will provide spaces for workshops, one-on-one support, and group meetings, with a strong emphasis on community collaboration and lived experience. This will help create long-lasting, positive change in the lives of individuals and families impacted by trauma, substance misuse, and struggles with mental health.
For more information about the project please visit Freedom Project | Extern
