A new base in Derry-Londonderry

by Anne Macartney

Counselling began at the new Derry/Londonderry base at the beginning of February 2025. The leadership of Christian Guidelines had, for some time, been open to the possibility of opening a counselling base in Northern Ireland’s second city.

The vision became a reality when members of Foyle Vineyard Church made contact to say that they had use of a room in Northside Village Centre on Glengalliagh Road, Derry which could be used as a counselling base. Foyle Vineyard Church uses this room for Alpha courses, for prayer meetings, for prayer with individual members of the local community and for storing resources to support local mothers of young children.

Northside Village Centre is a shopping centre and also a community centre which provides a base where activities for children and young people with special needs take place. Dance classes and music lessons also create a lively buzz. The staff of the coffee shop and security staff are always warm and welcoming and there is a strong community spirit.

The pastoral care staff of Foyle Vineyard furnished the room comfortably with all that the counsellor and client will need. Links have also been established with the local charity The Dunluce Family Centre which refers clients. Members of the local community are welcome to self-refer and details of how to do so are on the door of the counselling room. Clients have also travelled from within a 30 mile radius of Derry. We are grateful to members of Foyle Vineyard Church who have partnered with us by providing ongoing practical support and ongoing prayer support for all that Christian Guidelines is doing in The Bogside.