PIPS Suicide Prevention Charity has joined the National Suicide Prevention Network as a founding partner, alongside leading mental health charities from across the UK.听

PIPS Suicide Prevention Charity, one of our organisational members, is a new 24-hour mental health crisis helpline based in Northern Ireland. It provides free counselling and support to individuals who are experiencing or have experienced suicidal thoughts or mental unwellness.鈥疘t also provides support to families and friends who have been touched by suicide.听

Launched by The Royal Foundation

The by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales and will span all four home nations - aiming to transform suicide prevention in the UK.听

PIPS Suicide Prevention Charity joins three other leading charities 鈥� representing England, Scotland and Wales 鈥揳s founding partners, alongside the Hub of Hope, the UK鈥檚 largest mental health support directory. 听

A million pounds in funding over three years

With more than 拢1 million in funding from The Royal Foundation over the next three years, the network aims to create lasting change in how suicide is understood, addressed, and prevented across the UK.听

The network will focus on understanding the root causes of suicide, ensuring accessible support and strengthening and improving suicide prevention pathways.听

Ren茅e Quinn, Executive Director, PIPS Suicide Prevention Charity, said:听

鈥淲orking with communities in Northern Ireland gives PIPS Suicide Prevention Charity unique experience in suicide prevention, and a unique voice to share with our partners in the Network. Our partnership with The Royal Foundation will also allow us to hugely increase our services, funding a 24-hour suicide prevention helpline across Northern Ireland, in order to provide support on Friday nights and weekends when other services are less available.鈥�听

Reinforces case for increased investment

Jeremy Bacon, our Third Sector Lead, said 鈥淭he launch of the Suicide Prevention Network and its mission to connect people at risk of suicide to the support they need comes at a critical time for third sector services. Counselling services across the UK are struggling to obtain the required funding to meet the demand for therapy. The network鈥檚 focus on better understanding the root causes of suicide and ensuring that services are available for anyone in need, reinforces the case for increased investment in accessible, community-based support and suicide prevention.鈥�听