Charity offers support to people feeling depressed

Charity offers support to people feeling depressed

1 January 2014

NEW Year can be a particularly difficult time for many people across the district.

For those who feel isolated or depressed, there is an organisation which can provide vital assistance at a time of need.

The Newcastle branch of PIPS (Public Initiative for the Prevention of Suicide and Self Harm) helps people who may be feeling suicidal and families whose loved one have taken their own lives.

PIPS is internationally recognised for its work at community level, with its volunteers and counsellors providing invaluable support to countless individuals and families.

Formed eight years ago in response to the number of suicide deaths in the Newcastle area at that time, PIPS has worked hard to raise awareness about suicide and the potential to prevent it.

The volunteers and counsellors worked alongside the statutory agencies to ensure suicide prevention training was provided and sought to meet the practical and emotional needs of those who had lost a loved one to suicide.

PIPS is probably best known for the care of those bereaved by suicide but

over the past year the prevention and intervention elements of the work have been expanded.

Preventing suicide across the whole population has many elements and PIPS has worked hard to promote emotional and mental health.

For people who are in difficulty, the organisation has provided counselling to try to ensure that these difficulties do not lead to the person becoming suicidal.

PIPS volunteers are now regularly contacted by individuals in suicidal crisis or their friends. The volunteers provide a first response and help the person keep safe and get further help.

The Newcastle branch is also pleased with some recent developments. It has set up the “mind yourself and mind your mate” Facebook page to reach more people with the suicide prevention messages. Volunteers have described the response to the social media initiative as “quite amazing.”

To further support emotional and mental health, the Newcastle group established book clubs — one for men and one for women — with both meeting weekly in the Castlewellan area.

In addition, the Newcastle branch also facilitates “feel good factory” courses aimed and helping people understand the determinants of physical and mental health.

Last November, the group opened new premises in Newcastle and staff and volunteers are on hand every day to help anyone who calls or visits the office.

The group can be contacted on the office number (028) 4372 754, while the outside office hours Lifeline number available 24/7 is 0808 808 8000.