'Help is still out there' for those in despair, says east Antrim suicide prevention charity

Suicide prevention group ELM (Every Life Matters) NI was founded in 2008 by Larne woman, Carlee Letson.

Carlee, who has lost four members of her own family to suicide, believes the ongoing coronavirus crisis is taking its toll on people's mental health.

"Since the first lockdown began in March, I've dealt with over 300 calls and messages from people who needed support," she said.

"They were from people of all ages and different backgrounds; some were struggling with drug and alcohol addiction; some were parents who were worried about their children.

"I've spoken to young people who were contemplating suicide and I've had to talk them out of it."

With the availability of some support groups and organisations reduced during the pandemic, there are clients who have been "going round in circles" trying to get the help they need, Carlee added.

"At the minute, people are terrified to even be near each other; the pandemic has caused an atmosphere of enhanced stress and fear.

"How are we going to deal with the after-effects of that? There needs to be a strategy, both from Stormont and the councils, because I believe there is going to be an avalanche of mental health problems when all of this is over.

"Northern Ireland has the highest suicide rate in the UK, but people are still afraid to talk about it.

"The thing people need to know is that help is still out here; we still have hope and they are not alone, not now, or ever."

Formerly PIPS Larne, ELM NI is one of the organisations offering support to people in distress, as well as those who have lost a loved one through suicide.

The group can be contacted through its Facebook page, by phone on 07530797716, and by email at [email protected]

ELM NI is currently seeking voluntary BACP-approved counsellors, alongside volunteers for its new shop at 109 Main Street, Larne.

"I just want to thank Ali Barry, Jackie Beck, and Jennifer Ferguson, as they did an amazing job getting the shop ready," Carlee said.