Benches inscribed with suicide helpline numbers are to be introduced to parks across Mid and East Antrim.
They will be placed in People’s Park Ballymena, Eden Playing Fields, Carrickfergus and Dixon Park in Larne in the coming weeks.
The initiative is a result of a collaboration between the borough’s Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) and the Ballymena charity, Turning Point.
The launch coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day 2018.
The council already promotes the Take 5 initiative which encourages people to look after their emotional wellbeing, and these benches will echo that by offering a place for people to take time out.
PCSP Member and Deputy Mayor Councillor Cheryl Johnston who was instrumental in delivering this initiative to the borough said she has worked closely with the staff at Turning Point over the past number of months and has seen first-hand the service they provide.
“I’m passionate, as is council, in raising awareness around suicide prevention and I will continue to work tirelessly to raise awareness of this issue across the borough. There have been a number of deaths in the borough over the past year and I have seen the devastation this can cause to families and our communities as a whole. I hope these benches will help raise awareness and demonstrate that there is help and support for all,” she said.
Trudi Hall from Turning Point said suicide within the Northern Trust still remains a major public health issue.
“Turning Point NI would like to thank both Mid and East Antrim PSCP, Deputy Major Cheryl Johnston and Council for supporting us with this initiative and helping us raise awareness of our vital crisis intervention services throughout the borough. We would encourage anyone who feels they need help or just to chat to contact us. We can help offer support services over the phone or face to face,” she said.
If you need help or support Turning Point NI can be contacted at 1 Mill Street Ballymena or by phone on 079 3525 5502.