Mental Health Champions are Here2Help

Mental Health Champions for Antrim and Newtownabbey, Deputy Mayor, Councillor Noreen McClelland and Alderman Julian McGrath are encouraging residents to avail of the Here2Help app to access important services.

Mental Health Champions for Antrim and Newtownabbey, Deputy Mayor, Councillor Noreen McClelland and Alderman Julian McGrath are encouraging residents to avail of the Here2Help app to access important services.

Developed by East Antrim Counselling, the Here2Help app provides quick-to-find helplines for users to get support instantly and also a wide range of links to reading materials that can help in a time of need.

“The spectre of deteriorating mental health and the related issues has been well documented during these lengthy periods of restrictions”, says Alderman McGrath.

“Schools reopening and an end to home-schooling should hopefully provide a lifeline for many children and parents as we see some semblance of a return to normality. Here2Help is an extremely useful app for directing our residents to the services they need. These can be practical services such as the Housing Executive or Citizen’s Advice as well as mental health organisations who can provide professional help to those in need.”

Deputy Mayor, Councillor McClelland adds: “In the face of the coronavirus pandemic, it is more important than ever that everyone has access to the tools and advice they need to support their wellbeing.”

“We have seen the effects the pandemic is having on people from all walks of life, but especially for our young people, so I want them to be aware of the mental health support that is available locally for them. I would encourage everyone to download the Here2Help app and share this invaluable resource with family and friends so that no-one who needs help goes without it.”

“As Mental Health Champions for our Borough, we want to raise the profile of mental health and wellbeing in local communities and are looking forward to meeting with the Northern Ireland Mental Health Champion in the coming weeks. By fostering partnerships and encouraging action to promote mental health, it is our vision to challenge the stigma and make a positive difference to the lives of those living with a mental illness.”

The Here2Help app is FREE to download from Google Play Store and the Apple iTunes App Store for your smartphone or tablet device.

For more information visit:

www.eastantrimcounselling.com/here2help