Queen’s Management School, through its charitable programme Facilitaytors, has officially launched its support for local charity PIPS (Public Initiative for Prevention of Suicide and self-harm).

PIPS Charity can provide support to individuals who are considering, or who have at some point considered, ending their own lives. PIPS can also provide support for families who have been touched by suicide. PIPS have a walk in centre at 281 Antrim Road, Belfast and their staff and volunteers are always ready to listen.

PIPS staff Martina and Gerry gave a very educational seminar on the services offered by PIPS and the prevalence of suicide both globally and within Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland has the highest suicide rate in the UK and suicide in Northern Ireland since the Good Friday agreement has taken more lives than the Troubles.

Suicide is a silent killer but the work of PIPS is helping save lives. Suicide can be prevented through talking and listening and help is always available (you can contact PIPS on 0800 088 6042). Please encourage your friends and family to talk about their problems.

For more information on PIPS and to donate, please visit their website by clicking here, and if you would like to raise money for PIPS through QMS, please contact facilitaytors@qub.ac.uk. Fund raising is a great way to make new friends, support a good cause, and gain valuable skills.

Photo left to right: Martina McIlkenny (PIPS); Clive Walker (QMS); Gerry O'Reilly (PIPS)