Health Minster opens new Lifeline headquarters and therapy centre

The Health Minister has commended the conviction and determination of Lifeline staff in tackling suicide in Northern Ireland.

Michael McGimpsey was speaking as he officially opened Lifeline’s regional offices which include a new therapy centre in North Belfast.

The Minister said: "Since I established Lifeline in January 2008, there have been over 157,000 calls to the service. That is over 200 calls made to the service every single day from people across Northern Ireland who are in crisis or despair.

"Lifeline is not just a telephone helpline. As well as providing a 24 hour, seven days a week, immediate response service, trained counsellors also refer people to statutory services and other support services such as counselling, befriending and complementary therapies. These counsellors and the services they provide are all paramount in helping to reduce suicide in our society.

"I am determined to do all I can to reduce suicide in our society and the devastation that goes with it for bereaved families and friends. In addition to tackling suicide, I am also fully committed to addressing alcohol and drug misuse, as these factors also play a part where people have taken their own lives.

"I wish Lifeline every success here in its new premises."

Welcoming the Minister, Fergus Cumiskey, Lifeline’s Clinical Director said: "The provision of the new Therapeutic Centre will go a long way in helping those in emotional crisis or despair. By involving people in creative therapies such as music and painting, we are able to assist those who are unable or unwilling to express themselves verbally.

"Lifeline’s counsellors are available to help those in need and can be contacted via the free telephone helpline on 0808 808 8000. This line is staffed at all times by specially trained counsellors who have experience in dealing with a wide range of emotional issues such as suicidal feelings, self-harm, abuse, trauma, depression and anxiety.

"I would urge those in need who are maybe not comfortable speaking about their feelings, to get in contact with Lifeline so that we can develop a package of support that best suits the needs of each individual. Our role is to listen and to support, never to judge and we believe that this new centre will be able to benefit many in our community", said Fergus Cumiskey.

Notes to editors:

1. The Lifeline number is 0808 808 8000 and lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Calls are free from all landlines and mobile phones. The website address is: http://www.lifelinehelpline.info.
2. The Lifeline counselling service is delivered by Contact Youth in partnership with a Northern Ireland-wide network of community based organisations which provide face-to-face counselling, complementary therapies and befriending to clients referred from Lifeline.
3. The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) is providing up to £3.5million for the Lifeline service, which is now an integral part of the drive against suicide in Northern Ireland.
4. Press enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0579. For Press enquiries outside normal office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
5. Additional media enquiries regarding Lifeline to Ross Williamson or Linda Beers, Inform Communications on 028 9023 3550 or 07734 821 070