PIPS Hope and Support Founder Seamus McCabe Awarded MBE for Outstanding Voluntary Service
PIPS Hope and Support is delighted to announce that our Founder and Chief Executive, Seamus McCabe, has been awarded an MBE for his outstanding services to the voluntary sector in Newry, Mourne, and Down.
Seamus established PIPS Hope and Support in 2003 following the tragic loss of his son, Seamas. Determined to provide vital support to individuals and families affected by suicide and mental health challenges, Seamus has been instrumental in developing the charity into the leading suicide prevention organisation in the Southern Trust area.
Under Seamus’s visionary leadership, PIPS Hope and Support has expanded its services to include crisis counselling, bereavement support, suicide awareness training, and education workshops. The organisation now operates from premises in Newry and Lurgan, with outreach hubs across the Southern Trust area, employing a dedicated team of professionals committed to supporting those in need.
One of Seamus’s notable achievements of late is the development and launch of The WELL-Bean Café, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland. This out-of-hours crisis café provides a safe, welcoming space for individuals experiencing mental or emotional distress, offering immediate support during evenings and weekends.
In September 2023, PIPS Hope and Support celebrated its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of dedicated service to the community. Seamus’s unwavering commitment has been a lifeline to many, with the charity providing support to over 600+ people annually and positively impacting thousands of individuals over the past 20 years.
Seamus’s passion and dedication have been previously recognised; in September 2022, he received a civic award from Newry, Mourne, and Down District Council, honouring his commitment to the organisation and the community.
This MBE is a testament to Seamus’s tireless efforts and the profound impact he has made in the sector. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Seamus on this well-deserved recognition and express our deepest gratitude for his unwavering dedication to suicide prevention and mental health support in our community.