Who We Are
PIPS Hope and Support is a community-led charity dedicated to suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and bereavement support. We operate as a Protect Life Resource Centre, part-funded (Protect Life Resource, Training & Community Development and Postvention) by the Public Health Agency (PHA) under the Northern Ireland Suicide Prevention Strategy – Protect Life (A Shared Vision).
With premises in Newry (50 Mill Street) and Lurgan (39-41 Union Street), we deliver free, accessible, and professional support to individuals, families, and communities affected by suicide, self-harm, and emotional distress.
Northern Ireland has been deeply impacted by suicide, yet for many years, the response and resources have not reflected the scale of the issue. This changed in 2003, when PIPS Hope and Support was founded by individuals and families who had personally experienced the devastating loss of a loved one to suicide.
Our organisation was created to offer hope, support, and practical solutions, ensuring that no one faces crisis alone. We are committed to building relationships, working in partnership, and reducing the impact of suicide through community-based initiatives and professional services.
The aims of the group are to:
- Save lives
- Offer advice and support to those affected by suicide and self-harm
- Encourage people to seek help and reduce the stigma of suicide
- Increase the communities awareness around issues about suicide and self-harm, menatl health and trauma
- Signpost and link people to places that offer help in their area
- Provide information and training
Following the Northern Ireland Protect Life (A Shared Vision) Suicide Prevention Strategy, we take a multi-agency approach, engaging with statutory, voluntary, and community organisations, as well as individuals and families.
Our comprehensive services include: FREE, professional counselling for individuals in distress, complementary therapies to promote emotional well-being, befriending & one-to-one support for those struggling with mental health challenges, Dedicated bereavement support groups for those affected by suicide, a PIPS Suicide Bereavement Pack with essential information for grieving families, home visits & family support to provide guidance during difficult times, accredited suicide prevention workshops (ASIST, safeTALK, Mental Health First Aid), presentations, talks, conferences, and seminars to raise awareness and educational materials & free booklets on mental health topics such as anxiety, depression, stress, sleep problems, and more.
PIPS Hope and Support delivers services across the Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT), Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC), and Upper Bann (ABC Council) areas.
We believe that by working together, delivering suicide prevention skills, and supporting those most vulnerable, we can reduce inequalities and help save lives in Northern Ireland.