The ‘Substance Use and Mental Health Interventions using Digital Technology’ (SUMIT) project aims to expand digital inclusion to people living with substance use (drugs and alcohol) and associated mental health issues (PWSUMHI).  

SUMIT is one of two projects researching the delivery of addiction services in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland, that have been awarded funding through PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). 

SUMIT will deliver an integrated cross-border programme of real-world research, co-design, training, and skills development within a test bed environment to expand digital inclusion and develop three digitally enabled solutions for 1,500 PWSUMHI, which increase access to support and treatment, and enhance existing services. 

Professor Kathryn Higgins, Principal Investigator and Director of Queen’s Communities and Place (QCAP), said: 

“We are excited to have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals within our community through this PEACEPLUS funding. We understand that many of our target beneficiaries face barriers such as long waiting lists, lack of interventions, stigma, poverty, and poor health when trying to access essential health and social care services. 

“This initiative will target beneficiaries across four sites which cover Letterkenny and Derry/Londonderry, Belfast, Louth, and Fife, where they will receive digital devices, connectivity, and personalised support. This approach will enhance access to health services, foster engagement, and provide vital self-management tools for better wellbeing.” 

The SUMIT partnership is made up of partners Queen’s, Trinity College Dublin (TCD), the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the University of Strathclyde’s Digital Health and Social Care Innovation Centre (DHI), and the University Court of the University of St Andrews (USTAN). Associated Partners include Developing Healthy Communities NI, Start 360, the Northeastern Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force, Alcohol Forum Ireland, The Wheel, the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action, the Dundalk Institute of Technology, and NHS Fife. 

Stormont Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt MLA said:  

“Substance use impacts the lives of too many individuals, families and communities across Northern Ireland, and indeed on both sides of the border. Both projects that have been awarded PEACEPLUS funding are very much in line with our Substance Use Strategy and will test new ways of working that we can then evaluate in detail and build into the services we deliver in the longer term.  

“I very much welcome this investment and look forward to seeing both projects improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable people across our society and improve outcomes for those in need.”  

Government of Ireland’s Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD said:  

“Research findings demonstrate a clear correlation between addiction and the legacy of conflict, so I am very pleased that addiction services have been identified as a specific intervention for support, especially within those areas where there are clear benefits to collaborative, cross-border interventions. 

“The two projects approved, which will deliver addiction services to vulnerable people living in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland, will not only lead to healthier and more hopeful lives for individuals suffering from addiction, but will also undoubtedly benefit their families and the wider community.” 
 
SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said:  

“Cross-border collaboration is proven to deliver considerable benefits in terms of health and social care and bringing equality of access to essential services to local citizens. With demands on health and social care services so high, coupled with major issues in terms of resources, cross-border co-operation can alleviate those pressures by delivering economies of scale. 

“A joined-up approach can deliver more efficient and effective resources, maximising the potential of technology to transform how healthcare is accessed and delivered. We are delighted to work with funded projects that will ensure equal access to healthcare and fostering resilience in health systems, achieved through a range of collaborative, cross-border health and social care initiatives, together with community-based initiatives that address the legacy of the conflict.” 

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