PIPS Newry one of five NI charities benefitting from £17,000

PIPS Newry and Mourne is one of five local mental health charities which were supported through an 18-month partnership between IOD and the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland.

Gordon Milligan, Chair of the Institute of Directors, recently met staff and volunteers from the charity, along with representatives from Pips Charity Belfast, Links Counselling Lurgan, Foyle Search and Rescue in Derry/Londonderry and Mid Ulster Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.  

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At a round table discussion, it came apparent that mental health problems are widespread in Northern Ireland, affecting 1 in 5 of the population.

Rates among young men are particularly concerning and those who live in poorer areas suffer a wide range of health issues which in turn can affect their mental health.

The IOD encouraged members to make donations at its networking and social events over 18 months and all money raised was matched by the Community Foundation, resulting in a total fund of almost £17,000. 

The Foundation identified a new model of giving for IOD by working with multiple charities under a central theme – supporting mental health in local communities.

Síofra Healy, Director of Philanthropy at the Community Foundation said, “We’ve welcomed the opportunity to work with the IOD and have been so encouraged by their interest in meeting the charities and learning about the people they are helping.

“Thanks to Gordon and his colleagues for their commitment to maximising the impact of the partnership at local levels across NI,” she added.

Gordon reflected, “Unfortunately, mental health issues seem to be ever more prevalent in society and media coverage of high-profile mental health cases only represents the tip of the iceberg.

“We have been delighted to partner with the Community Foundation to direct support to where it was really needed and have appreciated their guidance and expertise in connecting us to the five mental health charities we’ve fundraised for over the last year and a half,” he added.

To learn how your organisation can work with the Community Foundation call 028 9024 5927 or visit communityfoundationni.org

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Posted by NewryTimes News on Mar 20 2020. Filed under Business, Community. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry