Why We Exist
PIPS Hope & Support Limited (Formally Newry and Mourne)
(Public Initiative for the Prevention of Suicide and Self-harm) was formed in 2003 following 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 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. 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 for information and compassionate assistance for those in crisis. Calling the office is often the first step an individual makes to access the services available. We are here for anyone facing crisis and personal turmoil. We provide comprehensive crisis services that are efficient, accessible, responsive, and fully integrated into the community.
On a shoe-string budget, we set up a “Drop in” centre to provide facilities for listening, counselling, therapy and training. We develop volunteers to provide assistance for those concerned about suicide and self-harm. We carry out “home-visits” to affected households within our community
PIPS Hope & Support volunteers have made a remarkable impact in the area of “taking immediate action”, suicide awareness, prevention, counselling and complimentary therapies.
There is a huge uptake of their services,
In spite of limited financial resources, we have managed to create a one stop shop for anyone in our community that is experiencing emotional or mental distress
PIPS Hope & Support has encountered a massive demand for its services from all over Newry & Mourne , over-stretching its limited resources. As awareness of the organisation grows, this demand is only set to increase
Our history and growth from an all-volunteer, small grassroots group of passionate survivors led us to what is one of today's successful not-for-profit organisations 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, and that through raising awareness and educating the public, we can SAVE lives.
Through its website and other activities, PIPS Hope & Support will provide information about suicide prevention resources available from local and national organisations.