Twinning group boost to PIPS Hope charity

Twinning group boost to PIPS Hope charity

27 March 2019

THE work of a local charity which provides a support service and offers counselling for anyone who faced with difficulties in their life ranging from depression to suicidal thoughts and self-harm has been boosted by a local twinning group.

The Rowallane and Slieve Croob Community Twinning Group has presented PIPS Hope and Support representatives with a cheque for £246.

The money was raised at a recent Festival of Celtic Music and Ceilidh Dance at the Millbrook Lodge Hotel in Ballynahinch.

The festival showcased local cultural talent and included harp melodies played by Abi Campbell, a medley of Highland Dance performed by The Heart of Down Highland Dancers from the Kathryn Stewart School of Highland Dance.

The Murray School of Irish Dance also performed at the concert which featured Celtic tunes on the tin whistle by Mrs Michele Murnin, with traditional tunes played by Mary and Joanne Grant from Hilltown and Newry.

Mark Rodgers led seven pipers and drummers onto the stage and filled the hotel ballroom with the sound of the perfectly harmonised pipes and drums from the championship-winning Upper Crossgare Pipe Band.

The evening also included a performance from special guests from Galicia – AC Trubisquiña — who performed the Galician bagpipes, drums and a selection of typical songs and dances accompanied by tambourines. 

In addition, there were also a number of local arts and crafts groups and local craft businesses who provided colourful exhibits.

The evening was brought to a close with a collection organised in aid of PIPS Hope and Support, the twinning group’s  designated charity.

Twinning group chairwoman Karen Patterson said it chose to focus on PIPS Hope and Support because there has been a high incidence of suicide in the Co Down area and that everyone knew someone who had been affected by mental health issues. 

She continued: “PIPS Hope and Support delivered a training course for the twinning group’s committee and we are now better equipped to deal with people who can only see suicide as a solution to their problems. We hope our small donation will help provide some counselling sessions to those in need in our local area.

“I’d also like to pay special thanks to Mrs Colette Clarke, former chairwoman of the Rowallane and Slieve Croob Community Twinning Group, for her commitment and dedication to assist with the planning of this wonderful evening. Colette’s expertise helped make the night a resounding success.”

Paddy Mageean from PIPS, thanked the twinning group and everyone who supported the recent fundraiser.

“We thank Karen and all at the Rowallane and Slieve Croob Community Twinning Group for selecting PIPS Hope and Support to be the beneficiary of the fantastic festival of Celtic Music and Ceilidh Dance which raised £246. We are grateful to everyone who attended, sponsored or donated to the event, showing their support for us.”

Paddy said all the funds raised for the charity help support people with issues affecting their quality of life and provides education programmes to people on how they can help reduce the risk of suicide in the community.