Libraries NI partners with PIPS Charity to expand drop-in befriending sessions in Mid & East Antrim

Libraries NI has partnered with PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland (PIPS Charity) to provide a drop-in befriending service across Northern Ireland.

In Mid and East Antrim, sessions are available at Carrickfergus Library on Thursdays from 12.30pm to 1.30pm, and at Larne Library on Thursdays from 2.30pm to 3.30pm.

PIPS Charity explained:

“Introducing ‘Chat & Chapters’, our befriending service in partnership with Libraries NI. We’re creating a safe, welcoming space for anyone in need of friendly support, conversation, and helpful guidance.

“Whether you’re feeling down, isolated, or just need a break from the day, we’re here to listen and support you.”

Deirdre Nugent, Libraries NI Services Manager, said:

“Libraries are trusted community spaces where people feel welcome and supported and we are pleased to work with PIPS Suicide Prevention Charity to host their ‘Chat & Chapters’ befriending sessions in local libraries.

“These informal drop-ins provide a welcoming and friendly environment for anyone who might be feeling isolated or in need of a chat. By offering space in libraries across Northern Ireland, we can help bring this important service closer to people in their own communities.”

The ‘Chat & Chapters’ befriending service is also available in libraries at Dungannon, Omagh, Cookstown, Magherafelt, Armagh, Lisburn, Downpatrick, Kilkeel, Moira, Ballycastle, and Coleraine.

Befriending is just one of the many services provided by PIPS Charity, which has offices in Belfast, Londonderry, and Enniskillen.

The organisation delivers a wide range of suicide prevention and bereavement support services, including counselling, crisis support, complementary therapies, one-to-one sessions, mentoring, support groups, signposting to other organisations, and home visits across Northern Ireland.

On its website, the charity notes:

“Since our foundation, we have strived to combat the high levels of suicide throughout the various communities in Ireland by providing help and support to those families bereaved through a suicide or self-harm.”

PIPS Charity provides counselling and befriending support to people who are experiencing or have experienced suicidal thoughts or mental ill health.

“Our life-saving services provide direct support to individuals who are in need. We offer a free, confidential counselling service, with continuous care and extended sessions where required. We also offer a crisis walk-in service in Belfast and a crisis telephone service at other locations during our opening hours.

“PIPS Charity has an open-door policy – no appointment is needed. Just come along for a chat, a cuppa, and a friendly face to help you through your trauma, worry, or even just a bad day. Whatever the reason, we will be there to help.”