The Minister made the announcement as he hosted the North South Ministerial Council at the Belfast Harbour Commissioner’s Offices in Belfast, where he discussed issues of mutual interest, including suicide prevention, swine flu, child protection and food safety with his counterpart in the Republic of Ireland, Mary Harney along with Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew as accompanying Executive Minister.
Michael McGimpsey said: "Lifeline is a freephone service which aims to save lives. I was seriously concerned to learn that it is not always available free of charge in border areas due to the imposition of roaming charges on calls from mobile phone users."
He added: "I therefore recently wrote to Ofcom and asked that this issue be raised with all UK network operators, and with Ofcom’s counterparts Comreg in the Republic of Ireland. As a result O2, who cater for some 65% of all mobile calls made in border areas, has now made the Lifeline number available free to call for all customers who roam onto ROI networks."
The Minister concluded: "I want to thank 02 for taking this positive step, and I would urge the other network providers to also move to ensure that Lifeline remains free to call for all vulnerable people across NI."
Notes to editors:
- Lifeline is a regional helpline staffed by trained counsellors who are experienced in dealing with suicide, self-harm, abuse, trauma, depression and anxiety.
- Over 120,000 calls were made to Lifeline during its first 18 months in operation.
- Lifeline can be contacted on tel: 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 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.
- Press enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0579. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
