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Offering vital support in the toughest of times

By Lorraine Boyd - last updated on Wed, 17/08/2011 - 15:37

Visit the Smart Solutions in Tough Times campaign homepage

Lighthouse (previously known as PIPS: Public Initiative for the Prevention of Suicide and Self Harm) is an organisation committed to providing support services to families who have lost loved ones and people in crisis.

Initially established in 2003 as a community response to a community problem – the exceptionally high incidence of suicide in North Belfast – the organisation has undergone various stages of growth and change during this time, however, the core purpose of the organisation remains unchanged – “to save lives, offer advice and support those affected by suicide and self harm.”

We are based at 187-189 Duncairn Gardens and provide support, counselling and a range of therapies for those affected by suicide and self-harm.  The organisation adopts a dual approach of working with the general public to raise awareness, crisis response to those in need and visiting bereaved families in the wake of a suicide.

Lighthouse is a much needed and valued community resource and deals with in excess of 500 people in crisis each year as well as dozens of families bereaved through suicide.  The difference this service can make to the life of those bereaved through suicide is immeasurable:

After the death of my son to suicide, I felt totally alone and isolated.  PIPS gave me a place of safety where I could speak to others who understood my feelings and I was able to realize that my thoughts were not wrong, but normal.  When something like this happens, you can feel like you’re losing your mind and getting to meet others through PIPS, saved my life by allowing me to realize that I was going through the normal grieving process and that I wasn’t insane.

(Support Group member)

After losing my mum to suicide last year, I felt that my life was over.  Jo Murphy, as a representative of PIPS approached me just the following day, offering me help, support and advice.  I found this to be invaluable in the days to follow.  I became a member of the PIPS support group where I learned how to lean on and be helped by others as well as how to become a support to others in the same situation.  Through realizing the much needed service that PIPS provides to myself and others, it has encouraged me to take it personally further and try to begin a career in counselling, where I can hopefully assist others to a higher degree.

(Support Group Member)

In this short clip Jo Murphy a co-founder of the Lighthouse (PIPS) explains the need for an organisation like Lighthouse.  Jim and Jean, two parents who have lost children through suicide tell us why Lighthouse is so important to them.

 

The Vital Links project is part-financed by the European Union's European Regional Development Fund through the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (PEACE III) managed by the Special EU Programmes Body. The Special EU Programmes Body is the Managing Authority for the European Union's PEACE III Programme.

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