NHS Fife are interested in developing digital approaches which support easier access to treatment, building on work we have already done in this area (e.g developing use of video consulting). Fife are providing programme management for the four nation, >£5M Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) funded by Scottish Government Chief Scientist Office and UK Government Office for Life Science Addiction Mission addressing overdose detection, response and intervention. Our role would be to operate as an advanced local demonstrator to assist the local demonstrator sites in Ireland and Northern Ireland to anticipate and overcome some of the practical implementation issues they will experience. As an advanced demonstrator site, Fife will play a critical role in promoting and facilitating networks and partnerships with local communities implementing the project on the ground to aid acceleration in IRE /NI demonstrator sites.

NICVA is the umbrella body for the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector (VCSE) in Northern Ireland with a membership of over 1300 VCSE organisations and a database of a further 5000.

NICVA provides capacity building support to the VCSE sector on a range of topics: skills development, leadership, and management, coaching and mentoring, organisational capacity building, governance, income generation, human resources, impact practice and advocacy. NICVA informs the sector of legislation and best practice to enable them to run effectively and adapt to the changing environment. Thier way of working is to work collaboratively within the VCSE and across the sectors on their behalf.  Much of the work of NICVA is about building the capacity of organisations, designing, and supporting a learning journey that is inclusive for all groups.

The added benefit NICVA brings to the SUMIT project is in the access it provides across sectors and the ability to share learning across the NICVA teams to the benefit of the VCSE. NICVA has well established communication channels, used extensively to promote learning, best practice, and opportunities across the sector. For example, over 2,300 subscribe to the weekly eNews.  NICVA bring a one stop shop approach to supporting the VCSE in Northern Ireland. As associate partners, NICVA will act as a dissemination partner for SUMIT to wider community and voluntary environment.