Mayor's Biography
Cllr Sandra Duffy was elected to Council for the Ballyarnett Ward in 2014 and is the party Group Leader. Sandra is an ardent campaigner on social issues including ‘period poverty’and made history in 2018 by ensuring Derry City and Strabane district Council became the first in Ireland to provide free period products in as many sporting grounds and public buildings as possible to combat this ever-growing issue.
Sandra is passionate about tackling homelessness and has been involved in this sector for over 20 years, she now leads and has developed outreach services addressing homelessness among young people and those with complex needs that require an intense service to meet their needs, including issues around addiction and mental health.
Within council, Sandra has taken a lead role in establishing the North West City region as a good place to live, work and socialise, she has chaired the North West Regional development group, which drives economic cooperation within the region and has led a shop local campaign. She has also taken on the chair of the PCSP and has a history of campaigning on road safety issues.
With a strong working relationships within the statutory, community and voluntary sectors. Sandra has been a board member of Advice North West for over ten years and works with the western trust in relation to wider health and social services for the City and District.
She is heavily involved in St. Joseph’s Amateur Boxing Club, sits on Greater Shantallow Area Partnership Board, the Culmore Community Partnership and has a keen interest in all community groups and infrastructure in the local area.