Lighthouse

Lighthouse

Need to talk Lighthouse 028 9075 5070

Lighthouse is an organisation committed to the prevention of suicide and self-harm; the promotion of positive mental health and the provision of support services to families who have been bereaved due to suicide.

The organisation was established fifteen years ago 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”

Lighthouse also works to remove the stigma associated with suicide and mental health issues through education and awareness activities which promote ‘positive mental health.’

Lighthouse has also been instrumental in highlighting the need to address the problems of suicide and self-harm in a more strategic way and has been a key contributor to the development of Protect Life – the Northern Ireland Suicide Prevention Strategy.

This strategic plan reflects the future direction and focus of our work over the next three years.  In this planning period Lighthouse is conscious of the need to build sustainability and strives to maintain its reputation as a centre of excellence in the provision of these services to those in need.

Today, the Executive has announced that schools and other education settings will have the half-term holiday break extended from 19 to 30 October.

To schools and education settings
I know that this year has been a very stressful time for education settings, schools, pupils and parents.
Today, the Executive has announced that schools and other education settings will have the half-term holiday break extended from 19 to 30 October.
Education settings will be closed to all pupils during these two weeks including for vulnerable children and children of key workers. Schools and other settings will reopen on Monday, 2 November.
The Department of Education is asking schools to use two of their existing Optional Days with the remainder of the additional time off through the use of automatically allocated Exceptional Closure Days.
I am aware that some schools have planned shorter half terms so may require more than three exceptional closures. The attached circular provides further information.
Schools are closed to all pupils. Principals should only bring staff into school during optional and exceptional closure days where they are unable to work from home. As this is an extension of the half-term break, it is not intended to be used for remote learning.
All school staff will be paid as normal including support staff and any substitute teacher who was booked to work during this extended half-term.
During the week beginning 19 October direct payments will be made to pupils in receipt of Free School Meals.
Generic youth services will close during this period with targeted provision of youth services continuing for those young people deemed ‘at risk’ as directed by the Education Authority.
This decision is a small part of a much wider package of societal response, and I want to emphasise that schools remain a safe environment for children and staff.
I want to thank principals, teachers and staff for their dedication and commitment to keeping their settings a safe and welcoming place for children and young people to learn and develop.
PETER WEIR MLA
MINISTER OF EDUCATION

More information is here

Lifeline

Lifeline helpline
Lifeline is the Northern Ireland crisis response helpline service for people who are experiencing distress or despair. No matter what your age or where you live in Northern Ireland, if you are or someone you know is in distress or despair, Lifeline is here to help.

People living in Northern Ireland can call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000. Deaf and hard of hearing Textphone users can call Lifeline on 18001 0808 808 8000. Calls to Lifeline are free to people living in Northern Ireland who are calling from UK landlines and mobiles.

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