Charity efforts to prevent suicide and self-harm are to be boosted through a new joint partnership.
The Southern Trust Board has named PIPS Upper Bann and PIPS Hope and Support as ‘Charity Partners’ for 2018-2020.
At a recent Trust Board meeting members got to hear about the important work PIPS do and about how both charities will use monies raised by the Trust to provide crisis counselling to support vulnerable people who are at risk of suicide and people who self-harm in the Southern Trust area.
Since 2013, the Trust’s Charity of the Year scheme has raised over £268,000 to support local charities and over the next two years, Trust staff will help raise awareness and vital funds for both PIPS charities.
Launching the new partnership Southern Trust Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development, Vivienne Toal said: “We are delighted to welcome PIPS Upper Bann and PIPS Hope and Support as the Trust’s Charity Partners.
“We are looking forward to working in partnership with both charities to help promote the work they do and to help raise much needed funds for the provision of their services in the Southern Trust area.
“We have over 13,000 staff living and working across Armagh, Dungannon, Craigavon, Banbridge and Newry and Mourne.
“We know that there are many very worthy causes out there, all trying to raise much needed funds, so the Charity of the Year initiative was set up a few years ago to show how collectively, Trust staff could make a significant contribution to the wellbeing of others.
“We are appealing for Charity Champions who are needed to help make the partnership a great success. Champions can be members of Trust staff or volunteers with the charities and they will help to raise awareness of the charities and encourage others to get involved in fundraising activities.”
Seamus McCabe, PIPS Hope and Support, added: “We are thrilled to have been chosen as a Charity Partner with the Southern Trust.
“All funds raised will help PIPS Hope and Support and PIPS Upper Bann provide crisis counselling to support vulnerable people who are at risk of suicide and people who self-harm in the Southern Trust area. There’s nothing better than joining forces with friends and colleagues to do something charitable and to help people who are going through a very difficult time.
“In 2016-17 we provided a total of 1933 counselling sessions to 419 clients and with help from the Southern Trust we can continue to provide this service.”
Jackie McCrum, PIPS Upper Bann said: “We are delighted to have been selected alongside PIPS Hope and Support as Charity Partners with the Southern Trust and we couldn’t be more grateful for this support.
“We are looking forward to seeing what activities the Trust staff get up to, so not only can they raise as much money as possible for PIPS but also have a lot of fun along the way.
“Through fundraising, volunteering and donations this partnership will mean so much to PIPS and the families that are supported during difficult times.”
If you would like to be involved or for further information please contact Jane Carr, Southern Trust on Tel: 028 3756 4159 Email: jane.carr@southerntrust.hscni.net or visit www.pipsupperbann.com or www.pipsnewryandmourne.org or visit www.southerntrust.hscni.net/about/2774.htm
Watch video of the Charity Partners https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLZTrnki1q8&feature=youtu.be
