PIPS Hope and Support

Public Initiative for the Prevention of Suicide and Self-harm was formed in 2003 after the death of Séamas McCabe a 20 year old student from Bessbrook

PIPS Hope & Support was formed by the family of Séamas McCabe, who ended his life by suicide at the age of 20 on 29th April 2003.  Séamas's death had a devastating ripple effect on his family, friends, acquaintances, and the community at large. At the beginning the group was formed with the understanding that survivors need a place they can share their feelings, thoughts, and experiences.  Part of our healing is in meeting others, who understand, can offer support, strength and hope.  Sometimes when you feel alone and isolated, just knowing that there are others who have survived this traumatic experience can be comforting.

The 1st meeting of bereaved families happened in September 2003 in Dromantine college, Newry, since then the charities growth from an all-volunteer grassroots group of passionate survivors has led us to what is one of today’s successful not-for-profit organisation with staff dedicated to prevent suicide, our work is based on the foundation and belief that suicide should no longer be considered a hidden or taboo topic.

The charities remit is suicide prevention, intervention, postvention, self-harm and trauma and since its inception the organisations focus has evolved in response to community needs and has become a one-stop shop and Protect Life Resource Centre, delivering its services across the SHSCT and Newry, Mourne and Down Council area, providing information, emotional support, counselling and compassionate assistance for those in crisis, those bereaved through suicide and those experiencing trauma.

The charity also delivers accredited and health approved training and education workshops, such as (ASIST) Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, Mental Health First Aid Training, safeTALK Training, B Positive Training, Resilience training, and the charities own OCN accredited training Shoulder to Shoulder. Calling the office is often the first step an individual makes to access the services.  We are here for anyone facing crisis and personal turmoil.

The comprehensive crisis services include an holistic range of professional counselling therapies, provided by trained counsellors that are efficient, accessible, responsive and fully Integrated into the community.