Plans to ‘regionalise’ suicide crisis app

‘Here2Help’, developed by local men Noel McKee and Jack Creighton, aims to connect those in crisis to support organisations through just a few taps on their smartphone or tablet device.

The programme was launched in May at Stormont, and by World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) had already been downloaded more than 2000 times.

However, the group are still seeking supplementary funding to roll out the app across the UK. There are also plans to personalise the software according to the region where it is downloaded, allowing the user to access local services.

“We pursued grants and private funding streams through which we raised £5000 to bring this to market and although we have been well-supported, we are hoping to secure supplementary funding to develop the app further,” said Noel.

“Unfortunately opportunities for additional funding, such as those which may have been available through the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, are less likely to be offered through the Department’s evolving remit and current budget issues.

“We rely on small grant schemes and donations for now to pay for updates and publicity. We use social media to spread the word but this will only be successful when it goes viral.”

The developers are now seeking social enterprise status, followed by charitable status to secure the funding needed. “Once we have it up to a good standard, we then need to get it to the Republic and then mainland GB to regionalise it with the relevant details to suit the area,” Noel added.

“Suicide doesn’t discriminate and affects people of all ages and background. In an urgent situation, this app can be life-saving and we are calling for the support of elected representatives in our aim to have this app on every single smartphone in Northern Ireland.”