A Co Armagh-based mental health charity, Just A Chat, is expanding its support services with the launch of a dedicated community hub.

Just A Chat opened their new Community Hub on Saturday at Legahory Shopping Centre in Craigavon with organiser Conor Hegarty saying: “This is a significant milestone for us as a local mental health charity”.

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Couple who helped teenage boy at a Craigavon bridge set up ‘Just a Chat’ charity

Just A Chat committee members, volunteers and supporters pictured at the official opening of their new Community Hub at Legahory Shopping Centre in Craigavon, Co Armagh on Saturday morning.

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Conor and his wife Amy set up the charity after an incident at a Craigavon bridge where they helped a teenage boy. Both were concerned at the lack of groups who are able to help young people with mental health issues in the area.

This Hub is the culmination of many years of work and fundraising. The event was a ‘celebration of community, connection, and support’ with lots of food and refreshments plus entertainment from as DJ on the day.

Conor said: “We were also delighted to welcome a number of partner businesses, local MLAs, and our valued partners at Glenavon FC, who have supported our journey.

Pictured at the opening of the Just A Chat Hub on Saturday morning are from left, Jack Patterson, Amy Hegarty, Councillor Jessica Johnston, Deputy Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council, Billy Patterson and Conor Hegarty.

"This new hub represents a safe, welcoming space for people in our community to come together, access support, and have open conversations around mental health.”

Founded in 2022, the organisation aims to tackle the stigma around mental health by fostering connection through conversation, workshops and social initiatives.

Services will include mental health workshops, a dedicated men’s support room, a mobile app available on major platforms, and community-based activities such as its football initiative, Just A Chat FC.

Conor also revealed: “We offer a women's wellness group weekly. It’s peer led offering a safe space to talk and be you outside of mum, wife, partner, daughter.”

Further information via its Facebook page.