Welcoming the project funding, Queen’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Ian Greer said:

“Queen’s is delighted to be a recipient of PEACEPLUS funding for this vital initiative. Our University has long held a deep commitment to having a positive impact across the island of Ireland and improving health outcomes is a key pillar of this.

“Through academic and community sector collaboration, this project will contribute to the delivery of government health priorities north and south of the border, offering tangible benefits through a digital solution which will provide easier access to community-based treatment and support in a personalised way.”

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt MLA said:

“I’m delighted by the launch of the PEACEPLUS-funded SUMIT Project at a time when substance use continues to present health challenges and devasting impacts for individuals, families and communities across our island. Sadly, the effects of substance use, and the associated mental health issues which present alongside it, continue to be felt by some parts of our society more than others. 

“Technology has proven to be transformative in many areas, including the effective delivery of psychological therapies, and SUMIT will allow us to build further on this.

“During a period of sustained financial constraint and workforce pressures, pursuing digitally innovative approaches also holds real promise for both service providers and those needing timely access to health and social care.”

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD said:

“By expanding digital inclusion to individuals living with substance use and associated mental health issues, the SUMIT project has the potential to create lasting positive changes in the lives of some of the most vulnerable members of our society. It will also provide valuable insights to inform future policies and strategies for digitally enabled health and social care services.

“I am very pleased that the SUMIT project is being launched with support from the PEACEPLUS Programme. I wish the SUMIT project every success and look forward to seeing how it helps people live healthier and more hopeful lives.”