Suicides across Northern Ireland are the 'worst ever', a local mental health organisation is warning.
West Wellbeing, a suicide prevention charity in West Belfast, outlined an idea of incidents they are dealing with on a daily basis. Based out of their offices in the Dairyfarm Shopping Centre, West Wellbeing offers counselling, befriending, child counselling through art therapy. addictions counselling and more.
But seeing the rates of suicides across the region increasing daily, the team launched a new crisis outreach project which will help those in points of crisis, and their families too, as they navigate through the unimaginable.
Read more: Carl Frampton explores NI's mental health crisis in new documentary
In a mall packed of supporters from various political parties, organisations, schools and communities, Desy Jones, from West Wellbeing, thanked those who have continued to support their efforts.
"We want to launch our new crisis outreach team," he said.
"The suicides we are dealing with, especially this week, have been horrendous. It is absolutely horrendous, and it is getting worse. I don't know where certain figures are coming from, because they do not match what we are seeing here on a daily basis - they are just not.
"Yesterday, we were dealing with suicides, three in fact. The people we are helping are from all over - from Downpatrick, to Larne, to Derry, They are contacting us asking for help, they don't know who to turn to.
"It's not just about the individual, it is everything around them, the families around them. Nobody is given a guide on how to help loved ones. I personally, have been in homes where people have attempted suicide, and they are in the darkest place you could imagine and their families don't know what to do.
"There is only so much the likes of the police can do, so that is why we are putting this wrap around together. Instead of me going out to these houses and into hospitals, we have created this crisis team. Two of our members will go to the house of someone in crisis.
"They will deal with that person in crisis, and find out everything they need to do, what is going on with them. They'll get them the help they need. From there and ongoing. No break. Nothing.
"The team will also deal with the family who are lost, who don't know how to deal with the police or hospital.
"We do not discriminate. Suicide happens to all ages, all walks or life, all religions. Our clients come from everywhere because they need help, and they have nowhere to turn to. Too many times, we have lost people to suicide because when they go for help, they have been turned away, or haven't got the right help.
"People who have lost someone to suicide, may go and approach someone for help. They are told 'you have just lost somebody, it is not the right time for counselling'. That is nonsense. They need help from that point of contact."
West Wellbeing has already started the crisis outreach and it has got off the ground successfully. They hailed Glenwood Associates, a social enterprise, who has backed the organisation, funding the project for the next two years.
Carl Frampton attended the launch of the crisis outreach team on Wednesday in the Dairyfarm Shopping Centre.
He spoke to Belfast Live about why he is passionate about backing the group in their efforts to save lives.
"I have extended family members who have used the services of West Wellbeing," he added.
"They are doing amazing work. They are invaluable for the community, and not just this community, they are invaluable to the country. The statistics that Gerard and Desy are talking to me about are astronomical.
"They are good people here, and they are helping people just because they want to. There is help out there, and you don't want to sound cliche but typically men don't want to reach out. They have a mask and feel like it is a weak man who asks for help.
"If you reach out through a friend, family member of a place like West Wellbeing, they will be there."
If you or someone you know is in distress and need support, call West Wellbeing Suicide Prevention call: 028 9062 4373 or email: info@westwellbeing.co.uk.
Video by Belfast Live videographer Harry Bateman.
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